[Sir James Dewar, Fulerian Professor of Chemistry at the Royal Institution.] Two Autograph Letters Signed (both 'James Dewar'), one to Sir William Arthur Rücker and the other to his wife, with an engraved portrait of Dewar, signed by him.

All three items in good condition, with light signs of age, and minor traces of previous mounting. The two letters are both 2pp., 12mo, on bifoliums. ONE: Letter to Rücker of 12 May 1898. He explains that if he is 'not at the Society ready to give the <5 minutes?> Paper at 4.30' it is because he is 'engaged in getting new results [...] In any case I will appear if all goes well.' TWO: Letter to Lady Rücker of 30 May 1907. His wife has had an attack of bronchitis and 'is in the hands of Nurses and Doctor. In fact this place has almost become a permanent hospital for some years.' While he would be happy to join her party in 'happier circumstances', 'Under these circumstances it would be hopeless to make any future engagements.' THREE: Engraving of portrait of a middle-aged Dewar at his desk, pencil in hand, with papers and chemical instruments in front of him. Dimensions of print 8 x 11 cm; dimensions of paper 12 x 14.5 cm. In very good condition. Signed in pencil by Dewar in bottom right-hand corner of border: 'Very Sincerely | James Dewar'. No copy of this portrait in the National Portrait Gallery collection.