[ William Marrat, mathematician and topographer. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('Wm. Marrat'), asking Professor Robert Wodehouse of Cambridge to give his opinion of his 'demonstration of the Binomial Theorem', which is included in the letter.
3pp., 4to. Bifolium. In good condition, on lightly aged-paper, with small piece torn from second leaf. Addressed, with postmark, on reverse of second leaf, to 'Robt. Woodhouse Esqr. A.M. | Plumian Professor of Astronomy & Experimental Philosophy, | Cambridge'. He writes: 'I have just made out the following demonstration of the Binomial Theorem, & as it is very short, & quite elementary, I shall be extremely obliged if you will condescent [sic] to honour me with your opinion of it before I make it public.' A full two pages of calculations, in a smallish hand, follow. In a postscript he conjectures that 'Taylor's Theorem may be deduced in a similar manner'. A note in red ink states that this item was 'found in a book purchased at the Sale of the library of Professor Woodhouse'.