MANUSCRIPT

[Professor William Bevan-Lewis, physician and physiologist.] Autograph Letter Signed ('W. Bevan-Lewis') thanking psychiatrist Bedford Pierce for his 'eulogistic & cordial tribute', and discussing the Allied victory in the Great War.

Author: 
William Bevan-Lewis (1847-1929), physician and physiologist, Professor of Mental Diseases and Examiner at the University of Leeds, and Medical Director, West Riding Asylum [Bedford Pierce (1861-1932)]
Publication details: 
'Elsinore', Dyke Road Avenue, Brighton. 12 November 1918.
£500.00

3pp, 4to. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to blank reverse of second leaf. Folded twice. Fifty-two lines of text. He thanks Pierce for his 'most kind expressions of regard for myself, & your eulogistic & cordial tribute to my poor efforts in the cause of Psychological Medicine'. which he has read in 'the account of the proceedings at the Edinburgh Meeting in July last', in the Journal of Mental Science.

[William Oliver of Bath, celebrated physician.] Autograph Prescription Signed ('W O'), 'For ye Right Honble The Lord Palmerston', endorsed 'Dr. Oliver's Purge that will work Gently –'.

Author: 
William Oliver (1695-1764) of Bath, celebrated physician, inventor of the Bath bun and Bath Oliver biscuit [Henry Temple, 1st Viscount Palmerston (1673-1757)]
Publication details: 
[Bath.] 9 October 1734.
£600.00

1p, landscape 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper from mount on reverse, which is endorsed: 'Dr. Oliver's Purge that will work Gently –'. Folded three times. Headed: 'For ye Right Honble | The Lord Palmerston'. Customary prescription, in Latin, over seven lines, beginning as usual with 'Rx'. At foot: 'W O | Octbr 9 1734'. From the distinguished autograph collection of the psychiatrist Richard Alfred Hunter (1923-1981), whose collection of 7000 works relating to psychiatry is now in Cambridge University Library.

[Sir Robert Christison, eminent toxicologist and physician.] Autograph Letter Signed ('R. Christison') to R. Herbert Story, regarding attending an address at Edinburgh Univesity by Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton.

Author: 
Sir Robert Christison (1797-1882), Scottish toxicologist and physician; President of Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh [Robert Herbert Story (1835-1907), Principal, University of Glasgow]
Publication details: 
40 Moray Place [Edinburgh]; 9 January 1854.
£350.00

1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to reverse. Folded twice. With Christison's expansive signature, and written while Story – future Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow – was studying at the University of Edinburgh. If he is not 'prevented by professional occupations, which are apt to be rather pressing at this season', it will give him great pleasure 'to attend on the occasion of the delivering of the address of Sir E. B. Lytton to the Associated Societies of the University on the evening of Wednesday the 18th.

[Sir Thomas Watson, President of the Royal College of Physicians.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Thos. Watson.')

Author: 
Sir Thomas Watson (1792-1882), President of the Royal College of Physicians
Publication details: 
16 Henrietta Street, Cavendish Square, W. [London]; 10 April 1859.
£150.00

2pp, 16mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper adhering to reverse of second leaf. Folded once. The recipient is not identified. Regarding the recipient's note he has a previous engagement, but he has 'communicated with Dr Rigby who has been good enough to promise to meet me at 20 Carlton Villas at ¼ before 5 oclock on that day'. He trusts the engagement will suit the recipient's convenience.

[Sir William Fergusson, Professor of Surgery and Senior Surgeon to King's College Hospital.] Two Autograph Letters Signed (both 'Wm. Fergusson') to William Frederick Cleveland, M.D., regarding meetings and patients in common.

Author: 
Sir William Fergusson (1808-1877) eminent Scottish surgeon, Professor of Surgery and Senior Surgeon to King's College Hospital; President, Royal College of Surgeons [William Frederick Cleveland]
Publication details: 
Both on letterhead of 16 George Street, Hanover Square, W. [London] 13 November 1863; 16 April 1875.
£180.00

For information on the recipient the physician William Frederick Cleveland (1823-1898), see his obituary, BMJ, Both 1p, 12mo, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering at back. ONE: 13 November 1863. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. He will be happy to meet Cleveland the following day, 'at 29 U. Hamilton Terrace between 4.15 & 4.30'. He has to be 'in the neighbourhood at 4', and does not know 'how long I may be detained', 'but I fancy that I may be with you by the last named hour'. TWO: 16 April 1863. In good condition, lightly aged.

[Sir James Paget, eminent pathologist.] Autograph Letter in the third person, declining to dine with the Hunterian Society.

Author: 
Sir James Paget (1814-1899), eminent pathologist and physiologist, Gale Professor at the Royal College of Surgeons
Publication details: 
24 Henrietta Street, Cavendish Square [London]. 3 February 1852.
£50.00

1p, 12mo. In fair condition, on aged paper, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to reverse of second leaf of bifolium. Reads: 'Mr. Paget regrets that an engagement for the Evening of February 4th. prevents his having he honour of accepting the Invitation of the President, Vice-Presidents and Council of the Hunterian Society'. From the distinguished autograph collection of the psychiatrist Richard Alfred Hunter (1923-1981), whose collection of 7000 works relating to psychiatry is now in Cambridge University Library.

[Sir Rickman Godlee, President of the Royal College of Surgeons and pioneer in the field of brain surgery.] Autograph Note Signed ('R. G. Godlee') to 'Mr. Rivington', regarding the 'ornamental' nature of his association with the Surgical Aid Society.

Author: 
Sir Rickman Godlee [Sir Rickman John Godlee] (1849-1925), President of the Royal College of Surgeons and pioneer in the field of brain surgery
Publication details: 
On letterhead of Coombe End Farm, Whitchurch, Oxon. 22 June 1921.
£350.00

1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper adhering to blank reverse. Reads: 'Dear Mr Rivington | I am sorry they dont give me any tickets for the Surgical Aid Socy. I am only ornamental | Yours truly | R. G. Godlee'. From the distinguished autograph collection of the psychiatrist Richard Alfred Hunter (1923-1981), whose collection of 7000 works relating to psychiatry is now in Cambridge University Library.

[Sir Rickman Godlee, President of the Royal College of Surgeons and pioneer in the field of brain surgery.] Autograph Letter Signed ('R. G. Godlee') to 'Mr Rowe', regarding a boy in a splint and a woman with cystitis.

Author: 
Sir Rickman Godlee [Sir Rickman John Godlee] (1849-1925), President of the Royal College of Surgeons and pioneer in the field of brain surgery
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 19 Wimpole Street, W. [London]; 6 February 1899.
£750.00

3pp, 16mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to the blank reverse of the second leaf. After acknowledging Rowe's note he continues: 'I should like the boy to get up and walk. He was supposed to be kept longer on the splint than usual, because there was so much adduction before.' The rest of the letter concerns 'a case of cystitis – a woman – who wants methodical washing out with A G N O Z.' He ends by asking whether it could be 'undertaken at the Infirmary'.

[Sir Edward Henry Sieveking, Physician in Ordinary to Queen Victoria.] Autograph Letter Signed ('E H Sieveking') to '[S J?] Clarke Esq',

Author: 
Sir Edward Henry Sieveking (1816-1904), Physician in Ordinary to Queen Victoria, physician to St Mary's Hospital in London
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 17 Manchester Square, W. [London]; 20 November 1863.
£350.00

1p, 12mo. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to blank reverse. The recipient is clearly the editor of a journal, who has solicited an article. Reads: 'My dear Sir | I am ashamed to say that I have nothing on hand that I care to publish, and I am afraid I am not as indefatigable with the pen as some of my friends. Pray accept my apologies and allow me to reserve myself for a future occasion'.

[Sir Edward Henry Sieveking, Physician in Ordinary to Queen Victoria.] Autograph Letter Signed ('E. H. Sieveking') to the surgeon William Frederick Cleveland, regarding the recovery of his fees following the death of 'Mr [Kimpston?]'

Author: 
Sir Edward Henry Sieveking (1816-1904), Physician in Ordinary to Queen Victoria; physician at St Mary's Hospital in London [William Frederick Cleveland, physician]
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 17 Manchester Square, W. [London]; 7 September 1866.
£350.00

For information on the recipient William Frederick Cleveland (1823-1898), see his obituary, BMJ, 3 December 1898. 3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to reverse of second leaf. Addressed to 'Dear Dr Cleveland'. He is 'going out of town' the following week, and 'has seen no one connected with Mr [Kimpston?] since the death'. He hopes Cleveland 'will not take it amiss if, considering the class of person', he asks him 'what will be done about the fees due' to him.

[Sir Erasmus Wilson, eminent surgeon and dermatologist who paid for the transportation of Cleopatra's Needle.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Erasmus Wilson') telling 'Mrs. Richards' that he is 'much less engaged' and that he would be happy to see her.

Author: 
Sir Erasmus Wilson [Sir William James Erasmus Wilson] (1809-1884), eminent surgeon and dermatologist who paid for the transportation of Cleopatra's Needle
Publication details: 
4 August 1860.
£400.00

1pp, 12mo. Bifolium on grey paper. In good condition, lightly aged, with strip of paper from mount adhering to reverse of second leaf (blank but for pencil endorsement), from which a small strip of paper has been cut.

[Sir George Edward Paget, Regius Professor of Physic at Cambridge.] Autograph Letter Signed ('G E. Paget') to 'James', i.e. his brother Sir James Paget, regarding a trip to London to dine with 'the Imperial Federationists at the Freemason's Tavern'.

Author: 
Sir George Edward Paget (1809-1892), eminent physician and academic, Regius Professor of Physic at Cambridge [his brother Sir James Paget (1814-1899), eminent pathologist and physiologist]
Publication details: 
Cambridge; 2 July 1886.
£80.00

3pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged. After thanking him for his 'last (and other) kind letters', he continues: 'After some hesitation (smile?) I have made up my mind to keep my engagement tomorrow to dine with the Imperial Federationists at the Freemason's Tavern. Therefore I shoud be very glad if you could – if it can be managed by Lydia [i.e.

[John Elliotson, eminent Scottish physician, Professor at University College London.] Autograph Note in the third person, regarding a dinner by the Royal College of Surgeons.

Author: 
John Elliotson (1791-1868), Scottish physician and Professor of the Principles and Practice of Medicine at University College London, medical author and editor
Publication details: 
17 Conduit Street [London]; 7 July 1832.
£400.00

1p, 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, with closed tear to margin and thin strip of paper from mount adhering to blank reverse. Reads: 'Dr Elliotson will be happy to do himself the honour of waiting upon the President & Vice President of the Royal College of Surgeons at the [action?] & dinner upon tuesday the fourteenth Inst.' From the distinguished autograph collection of the psychiatrist Richard Alfred Hunter (1923-1981), whose collection of 7000 works relating to psychiatry is now in Cambridge University Library.

[John Johnstone, physician and biographer of Samuel Parr.] Autograph Letter Signed ('J Johnstone'), concurring with 'Mr Pott' (i.e. the surgeon Percivall Pott) on the treatment of the recipient's 'complaint'.

Author: 
John Johnstone (1768-1836), physician and biographer of his friend Samuel Parr, physician to the Birmingham general hospital [Percivall Pott (1714-1788), celebrated surgeon]
Publication details: 
Worcester; 6 Sept [1786].
£500.00

2pp, 4to. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to reverse of second leaf, which is endorsed 'Docr. Johnstone | 6 Sep. 1786'. The recipient is not named. Twenty-eight lines of text, beginning: 'Dr Sir | I got home tuesday night and sent my son over to Mr Pott, to let him know your wishes. He answered he was engaged every day to dinner, and could not fix any particular time to be at Malvern.

[Samuel Solly, eminent surgeon.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Samuel Solly'), apologising that he will be absent from 'the first Meeting of the Society'.

Author: 
Samuel Solly (1805-1871), eminent surgeon, President, Royal Medical and Chirurgical Society; Arris and Gale Lecturer, Royal College of Surgeons
Publication details: 
28 September 1849.
£350.00

For information on Solly, see his entry in the Oxford DNB. 2pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, lightly aged, with slight damaged to second leaf caused by opening of wafer. Adhering to the second leaf is a thin strip of paper from the mount. The recipient is not identified. He is sorry that he will not be able 'to be present at the first Meeting of the Society', as he made an engagement before he 'remembered it'. He will 'endeavour to have something for the second night'.

[Sir Alexander Crichton, personal physician to Tsar Alexander I of Russia.] Three Autograph Letters Signed (all 'Alr. Crichton') to his London publisher John Churchill, regarding publishing arrangements and review copies of his 'Commentaries'.

Author: 
Sir Alexander Crichton (1763-1856), Scottish physician and author, personal physician to Tsar Alexander I of Russia [John Churchill (1801-1875), London medical publisher]
Publication details: 
All from The Grove, near Sevenoaks [Kent]. 23 July 1842; 20 August 1842; 13 June 1850.
£1,000.00

The subject is all three letters is Crichton's 'Commentaries on Some Doctrines of a Dangerous Tendency in Medicine', published by Churchill in 1842, and the three cast light on publishing practices for medical publications in the booktrade in early Victorian London. All three with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to one edge. ONE: 23 July 1842. 1p, 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged, with slight damp stain to one corner. Chrichton begins by asking to be sent 'the two bound Copies of my work to the Bolt and Tun Fleet St. before three oCl on the day you receive this viz. Monday'.

[Sir Andrew Halliday, personal physician to William IV.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Andrew Halliday') to the 'Assignees of Mr George Underwood', regarding the return of works which are his 'individual property'.

Author: 
Sir Andrew Halliday (1782-1839), Scottish physician, personal physician to William IV [George Underwood, London medical bookseller]
Publication details: 
Hampton Court; 31 August 1831.
£500.00

1p, 8vo. In fair condition, lightly aged, with a few small holes, and thin strip of paper from mount adhering to the blank reverse. Reads: 'The Assignees of Mr George Underwood will please deliver up to Messrs Renshaw & Reid all the Copies of my “State of Lunatic Asylums” also all copies of my “Letter to Lord Robert Seymour” as also Any Copies of “Letters from Germany & Holland” or any other of my works that may remain or be found among the stock of the said George Underwood as the whole are my individual Property - | Andrew Halliday | Hampton Court | 31 August 1831'.

[John Manby Gully, Malvern physician who pioneered 'water cure' treatment.] Two Autograph Letters Signed (both 'J M Gully') to the publisher John Churchill, one on patients including Lord Francis Egerton, the other on a vacant post.

Author: 
James Manby Gully (1808-1883), physician with pioneering 'water cure' treatment (hydropathy) at Great Malvern [John Churchill (1801-1875), London medical publisher]
Publication details: 
Great Malvern; 19 December [no year]. Malvern; 6 August [no year].
£650.00

Both items in good condition, lightly aged, and each with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to reverse. ONE: Great Malvern; 19 December. 2pp, 12mo. Now that he has returned to Malvern, having been 'on a visit to Mr W. Whitman', he thanks Churchill for his 'kindness which I may say, I never found at fault'. He continues: 'Though away from Malvern I have not been idle: most of the neighbouring gentry came to Dudmaston to consult me'.

[George Nesse Hill, surgeon, Brunonian psychiatrist, asylum keeper.] Two Autograph Letters, one signed ('G N Hill | Secy'), one in the third person, to John Davy, military surgeon, brother of Sir Humphrey Davy, on the Medical Society of Chester.

Author: 
George Nesse Hill (1766-1831) of Alcaston Manor, Chester, Cheshire, surgeon, champion of Brunonian psychaitry and asylum keeper [John Davy (1790-1868), army surgeon, brother of Sir Humphrey Davy]
Publication details: 
[Chester.] 30 August and 30 October 1827.
£500.00

Bynum and Porter, in their 'Brunonianism in Britain and Europe' (1988), describe Hill – keeper at one point of two asylums – as a 'substantial figure [...] a champion of Brunonian psychiatry'. For the recipient John Davy (1790-1868), anatomist and physiologist, brother of Sir Humphrey Davy, see his entry in the Oxford DNB. Two letters, both in good condition, attached to one another along one edge, with thin strip from mount adhering. Both letters are bifoliums, and both have had the second leaf, trimmed along the fore-edge, resulting in each case to slight loss to the address.

[Robert Bree, physician specialising in respiratory disorders.] Two Autograph Letters Signed ('R Bree' and 'Robt Bree') to physician and Egyptologist Thomas Joseph Pettigrew, explaining his praise of the Duke of Sussex in his Harveian Lectures.

Author: 
Robert Bree (1759-1839), physician specialising in respiratory problems, who treated the asthma of the Duke of Sussex [Thomas Joseph Pettigrew (1791-1865), physician and Egyptologist]
Publication details: 
Both from George Street, Hanover Square [London]. 27 June 1827 and 6 February 1828.
£950.00

For the recipient Thomas Joseph Pettigrew see the Oxford DNB. Pettigrew was personal physician and librarian to the Duke of Sussex, who had consulted Bree for asthma, and by whose advice Bree had removed in 1804 from Birmingham to Hanover Square in London. Having been a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians since 1807, Bree was chosen Harveian lecturer in 1827, publishing the course of lectures in the following year. Both items in good condition, lightly aged, each with a thin strip of paper from the mount adhering to the reverse of the second leaf. ONE: 27 June 1827. 3pp, 12mo. Bifolium.

[Sir Charles Blagden, physician and scientist.] Autograph Letter Signed ('C. Blagden') to Louis Odier, Genevan physician, regarding the sojourn in England of Jean-François Berger, and the changes in Geneva.

Author: 
Sir Charles Blagden [Sir Charles Brian Blagden] (1748-1820), physician and scientist, Royal Society secretary [Louis Odier (1748-1817) and Jean-François Berger (1779-1833), physicians of Geneva]
Publication details: 
No place. 13 February 1810.
£350.00

3pp, 4to. Bifolium. In good condition, lightly aged and worn, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to the reverse of second leaf, which is addressed 'À Monsieur | Monsieur L. Odier | Docteur et Professeur en Médecine | à Genève.' He begins by expressing the 'great pleasure' he has felt in again seeing Odier's handwriting, and learning that he and his family are in good health.

[Julius Althaus, German physician and neurologist.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Julius Althaus') to 'Dr Spencer', giving his diagnosis of 'Master Armytage', with instructions for the use of 'galvanism' in treating his infantile paralysis.

Author: 
Julius Althaus (1833-1900), German physician, pioneer of neurology who settled in England, pioneered electrical treatment of patients, and helped found Maida Vale Hospital, London
Publication details: 
On letterhead of 36 Bryanston Street, Marble Arch, London; 10 December 1881.
£1,200.00

4pp, 12mo. Bifolium. In fair condition, aged and worn, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to the reverse of the second leaf. He begins by thanking Spencer for giving him the opportunity of 'seeing such an interesting case as that of Master Armytage, whose mother came yesterday with him from Bristol to consult me'. The 'nature of the case' appears to Althaus 'very clear.

[Lord Adrian of Cambridge [Edgar Douglas Adrian], Nobel Prize winning electrophysiologist, Chancellor of the University of Cambridge.] Three Autograph Cards Signed (all 'E. D. Adrian') to German neurologist Otto Maas.

Author: 
Edgar Adrian [Edgar Douglas Adrian; Lord Adrian of Cambridge] (1899-1977), electrophysiologist, joint recipient of the 1932 Nobel Prize for Physiology [Otto Maas (1871-c.1942), German neurologist]
Publication details: 
All three items on letterhead 'From Dr. Adrian, St. Chad's, Grange Road, Cambridge.' 6 and 12 February 1934, and 27 January 1938.
£450.00

Lord Adrian was Professor of Physiology in the University of Cambridge 1937-1951; President of the Royal Society 1950-1955; Master of Trinity College, Cambridge, 1951-1965; president of the Royal Society of Medicine 1960-1962; Chancellor of the University of Cambridge 1967-1975. In 1932 Adrian and Sir Charles Sherrington receiving the 1932 Nobel Prize for Physiology 'for their discoveries regarding the functions of neurons'.The recipient Otto Maas obtained his medical degree from the University of Strasbourg in 1898. Between 1910 and 1932 he was Director of the clinic in Berlin-Buch.

[Sir Arthur Bryant defends himself against an attack by fellow Pepys scholar Edwin Chappell.] Eight Autograph Letters Signed and one Typed Letter Signed (all 'Arthur Bryant') to Chappell, on questions of Pepys scholarship.

Author: 
Sir Arthur Bryant [Sir Arthur Wynne Morgan Bryant] (1899-1985), historian and biographer of Samuel Pepys [Edwin Chappell (1883-1938), Pepys scholar and maritime historian; Samuel Pepys]
Publication details: 
From: The White House, East Claydon, Bucks (3); 97 Swan Court, Manor Street, London (3); Portmeirion and Madeira. Between 6 January 1932 and 22 November 1933.
£350.00

Nine letters (eight ALsS and one TLS) totalling 16pp, 12mo, in close and neat autograph; and 2pp, 4to, typed. One from 1932 and the other eight from 1933. All signed 'Arthur Bryant'. In good condition, on lightly-aged paper, with slight rust-staining from paperclips to a couple of the letters. An interesting correspondence, in which Bryant gives an assessment of Pepys, and describes his approach to writing his biography. In one long letter (5 May 1933) Bryant describes his wider approach to the writing of history.

[Spencer Perceval, the only British Prime Minister to be assassinated.] Autograph Rough Notes, titled 'Parliamentary | Miscellaneous', for a House of Commons debate on Customs and Excise duties, with reference to 'the Brandy act of last year'.

Author: 
Spencer Perceval (1762-1812), Tory Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer [William Pleydell-Bouverie, 3rd Earl of Radnor [Lord Folkestone] (1779-1869); Customs and Excise duties]
Publication details: 
[Houses of Parliament. 1808.]
£500.00

On both sides of a 37 x 24 cm piece of paper (i.e. half a 'pinched post' folio leaf), with 1806 fleur-de-lys watermark. Folded twice, to make eight 24 x 9 cm panels (four on each side), in seven of which Perceval has written his notes in a close and neat hand. The eighth panel forms the outside of the folded paper, and on this Perceval has written 'Parliamentary | Miscellaneous'. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn.

[Andreas Andersen Feldborg, Danish author.] Three Autograph Letters Signed, in English, to Rev. Edward Duke, regarding his English and continental travels,friends (Sir Richard Colt Hoare and Walter Scott), works. With two printed subscription lists.

Author: 
Andreas Andersen Feldborg (1782-1838), Danish author in England, friend of Robert Southey, teacher of English at University of Göttingen [Edward Duke (1779-1852), antiquary]
Publication details: 
The three letters from Germany. 'Frankfort on the Main'; 18 January 1826. Göttingen; 30 December 1826 and 12 March 1827.
£500.00

Feldborg is mentioned several times in Southey's correspondence, and at one point contemplated translating Southey's life of Nelson into Danish. See Duke's entry in the Oxford DNB. The three letters are in fair condition, a little brittle and lightly aged and worn, with a closed tears along fold lines. The third letter has loss to second leaf from breaking of seal. Excellent energetic letters, giving a good indication of Feldborg's character and the circle he moved in while resident in England.

[William Conolly, joint licensee with his brother John Conolly of Hayes Park Private Lunatic Asylum, Uxbridge.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Will Conolly') to 'George Rogers Esqr MD', reporting the arrival of patient 'Mr George Helyar'.

Author: 
William Brice Conolly, MD, joint licensee of Hayes Park Private Lunatic Asylum, Uxbridge, with his brother John Conolly (1794-1866), later resident physician to the Middlesex County Asylum at Hanwell
Publication details: 
'Hayes Park nr Uxbridge | Decr. 19. 1851'.
£220.00

2pp, 12mo. In fair condition, on lightly aged and browned paper, with thin strip of paper from mount adhering to the reverse. Folded twice. The letter reads: 'Mr George Helyar arrived here last night accompanied by your attendant from whom I received your letter and a purse containing £11 – 12 – Mr Helyar has slept well and appears comfortable this morning, and I hope will go on well with us - | When his Clothes arrive I will inform you - | I also received the Order, & Certificates from the attendant for which pray accept my thanks -'.

[Sir Thomas Lauder Brunton, Scottish physician.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Lauder Brunton') to 'Dr Peirce', i.e. Bedford Peirce, congratulating him on his appointment [as medical superintendent at the Retreat, York].

Author: 
Lauder Brunton [Sir Thomas Lauder Brunton, 1st Baronet] (1844-1916), Scottish physician [Bedford Peirce (1861-1932), physician]
Publication details: 
'Hotel de France | Argeles-Gazonst [sic]'. 29 October 1891.
£250.00

2pp, 12mo. In fair condition, lightly aged, with ink quite faded, and thin strip of paper from mount adhering to the blank second leaf of the bifolium. Folded twice. He begins by expressing pleasure at Peirce's 'appointment' (as medical superintendent at the Retreat, York), also congratulating 'those with whom your duties will bring you in contact'. He thinks he is 'wise to take 6 months in Bethlem'. He asks him to 'look up my old friend Dr Ramsay' when he goes to York. Ramsay is 'a very fine fellow indeed' and Peirce will 'find it a pleasure to know him'.

[Sir Andrew Halliday, physician to William IV.] Autograph Letter Signed ('Andrew Halliday -') to Prime Minister Lord Melbourne, offering to 'sacrifice' his 'emoluments' and become inspector of 'all the public and Private Asylums in England and Wales

Author: 
Sir Andrew Halliday (1782-1839), Scottish physician to William IV [Lord Melbourne [William Lamb I1779-1848), 2nd Viscount Melbourne], Prime Minister]
Publication details: 
Hampton Court; 11 January 1831.
£2,000.00

7pp, 4to. Containing 112 lines of text on two bifoliums. In good condition, lightly aged. Folded three times. Headed 'Private', and with the heading, date and place written by Halliday at a different time from the rest of the text. A long and impassioned letter, in which Halliday offers to become inspector of 'all the public and Private Asylums in England and Wales', at a payment of no more than £150 a year in expenses.

[Sir James Crichton-Browne, Scottish physician and psychiatrist.] Autograph Letter Signed ('James Crichton Browne') to 'Bastian', i.e. Charlton Bastian, questioning the 'overwhelming conclusions' of his 'ingenious and laborious experiments'.

Author: 
Sir James Crichton-Browne (1840-1938), Scottish physician, psychiatrist and neurologist [(Henry) Charlton Bastian (1837-1915), physician and neurologist]
Publication details: 
Ivy Bush Hotel, Carmarthen (on cancelled letterhead of 'Crindau | Dumfries, N.B.' [Scotland]); 13 January 1907.
£250.00

The entry on Bastian in the Oxford DNB finds one of 'the great paradoxes of Bastian's work' to be 'that in neurology his views were highly conventional, while in biology, and what became bacteriology, they became unorthodox and eventually eccentric.' Chief among Bastian's heterodox positions was his belief in the spontaneous generation of bacteria, the subject of the present letter. 8pp, 12mo. On two bifoliums, both with mourning borders. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn, with minor damp staining. He begins by thanking him for his letter and 'the interesting abstract enclosed'.

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