Lot 106
Sciences & Scholars; Ground Breaking 19th Century Notables in Their Fields. Some Very Rare Signed Pieces. Fine, diverse collection of letters, notes, and autographs by a variety of acclaimed scientists and scholars. 1.) Richard A. Proctor (1837-1888) celebrated English astronomer who produced one of the earliest maps of Mars (the crater Proctor is named in his honor) as well as numerous publications. Very rare inscription and signature on a 2 x 3¾ calling card executed in his exquisite handwriting "From earth to Sun, from solar systems to Sun systems, from Sun systems to (larger?) systems of Sun systems, - 'Lo these are but a portion of God! Ways they utter back a whisper of his Glory!" Richard A Proctor, London, June 22, 1874. Near to mint condition and rare. 2.) John William Lubbock, 3rd Baronet FRS (1803-1865) was an English banker, barrister, mathematician, astronomer as well as significant researcher in evolution and archeology. He coined the terms Paleolithic and Neolithic to differentiate between the old and new stone ages. Scarce note signed on his Mansion House Street, London stationery dated July 1, 1857 "Sir J. Lubbock regrets that it will not be in his power to be present on the 8th. Note is 6 x 4½" with two adhesive stains that in no way impact the handwriting and signature. 3.) Sir Augustus Wollaston Franks (1826-1897) was an English antiquary and museum administrator and respected historian of the British Museum and considered the most important collector in the history of the British Museum, as well as one of the greatest collectors of his age. ALS on blind embossed British Museum stationery 2pp. folded 7 x 4¾" dated July 1, 1892 writing to a friendly associate regarding viewing an auction of a private collection that most he finds too expensive. But one lot, a casket, he would like to have but does not want to compete. Excellent condition. 4.) William Martin (1772-1851) Founded the Martinean Society in London in opposition to the Royal Society, a bit of an eccentric especially in regards to speaking against Newtonian Theory of Gravity. 3 page handwritten letter about an arrangement for a lecture on perpetual motion claiming "there could be no true philosophy without a discovery of perpetual motion." 9¼ x 7½" signed Wm. Martin and is in very good condition with the usual soiling and handling of a letter this age. 5.) George Engelman (1809-1884), botanist, physician and meteorologist known primarily for his monographs, especially one on the cactus. Commercially speaking, for his important discovery of the immunity of the North American grape to plant lice. Long 3 page 10¾ x 9½" letter speaking about the geology of in the White and Arkansas Rivers dated July 24, 1841. Toned, fragile a few small tears but very legible with a clean signature. 6.) An ALS by scholar dated Oct. 16, 1842 by Joseph Bosworth (1788-1876) author of first Anglo-Saxon Dictionary 2pp 7½ x 4". 7.) An autograph by James Frederick Ferrier (1808-1864) acclaimed intellect on philosophy and educator at University of Edinburgh adding St. Andrews, Scotland. Estimated Value $600 - UP
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| Realized $360 |
