[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.

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. Reads: 'My Dear Mrs Richards /- | I am now much less engaged than during the season; so that I hope you will find me free from any pressing engagements any day at about 10 o clock; I need not say that it will give me much pleasure to see you.' 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. Hunter and his mother Ida Macalpine had a particular interest in the illness of King George III, and their book 'George III and the Mad Business' (1969) suggested the diagnosis of porphyria popularised by Alan Bennett in his play 'The Madness of George III'.