uld assume.

I suppose, that the same equilibrium between gravity and centrifugal
force, which would determine a fluid mass into the form of an oblate
spheroid, would determine the wise creator of that mass, if he made it
in a solid state, to give it the same spheroidical form. A revolving
fluid will continue to change its shape, till it attains that in which
its principles of contrary motion are balanced. For if you suppose them
not balanced, it will change its form. Now the same balanced form
is necessary for the preservation of a revolving solid. The creator,
therefore, of a revolving solid, would make it an oblate spheroid, that
figure alone admitting a perfect equilibrium. He would make it in that
form, for another reason; that is, to prevent a shifting of the axis of
rotation. Had he created the earth perfectly spherical, its axis might
have been perpetually shifting, by the influence of the other bodies
of the system; and by placing the inhabitants of the earth successively
under its poles, it might have been depopulated; whereas, being
spheroidical, it has but one axis on which it can revolve in equilibrio.
Suppose the axis of the earth to shift forty-five degrees; then cut it
into one hundred and eighty slices, making every section in the plane
of a circle of latitude, perpendicular to the axis: every one of these
slices, except the equatorial one, would be unbalanced, as there would
be more matter on one side of its axis than on the other. There could be
but one diameter drawn through such a slice, which would divide it into
two equal parts. On every other possible diameter, the parts would hang
unequal. This would produce an irregularity in the diurnal rotation.
We may, therefore, conclude it impossible for the poles of the earth
to shift, if it was made spheroidical; and that it would be made
spheroidical, though solid, to obtain this end. I use this reasoning
only on the supposition, that the earth has had a beginning. I am sure I
shall read your conjectures on this subject with great pleasure, though
I bespeak beforehand, a right to indulge my natural incredulity and
scepticism. The pain in which I write, awakens me here from my reverie,
and obliges me to conclude with compliments to Mrs. Thomson, and
assurances to yourself of the esteem and affection with which I am
sincerely, Dear Sir, your friend and servant,

Th: Jefferson.

P. S. Since writing the preceding, I have had a conversation on the
subject