Autograph Letter Signed and three Autograph Cards Signed from the American geologist Bailey Willis to 'Mr. Anthony', discussing a report following a joint trip, and presenting a pamphlet by which he may approach 'the limits of knowledge'.

Author: 
Bailey Willis (1857-1949), American geological engineer [United States Geological Survey; Mount Rainier]
Publication details: 
Letter dated from Buenos Aires [Argentina]. 19 June 1914. One card dated from the 'Hotel Cecil | Julio 8 - 1914'. The other two cards undated.
£120.00
SKU: 13529

The four items are in good condition, lightly-aged and with slight creasing to the extremities of the letter. The letter is 1p., foolscap 8vo. Willis writes that he is 'forwarding the report at the earliest moment practicable. If in any respect it should fail to cover the ground agreed upon, I will gladly supplement it to the best of my ability'. He is waiting for Anthony's instructions over his 'reports': 'I understood that you did not wish them sent by mail.' He ends by expressing his 'sincere appreciation of your courtesy during our trip together'. He will not 'soon forget' Anthony's wife's hospitality. The dated card ('Hotel Cecil | Julio 8 - 1914') thanks Anthony for 'a very pleasant evening'. The first of the undated cards presents a paper that 'may serve to introduce you to some of the ideas that I foster in regard to the origin of continents and mountains, and I trust may also give you that pleasure which a philosophic mind feels in approaching the limits of knowledge'. In the second undated card Willisenquires whether Anthony has received the 'pamphlet on foundations of mountains and continents', which he left at the Grand Hotel, 'as an introduction to the general subject which we began to discuss when I had the pleasure of dining with you. The porter says it was delivered to you, but I ha'e me doots'.