Autograph Letter Signed, to “E. Hertwell”[?],

Physician and chemist (1751-1828). 1.25pp., fol. a fair amount of damage, marginally affecting the text. He has enclosed a “Proof Sheet to be laid before the next [meeting]”, subject to correction. He points out that the institution will not have the President he wished (see below) but his reason is clear. He speaks ofexpense being great at the beginning and discusses subscriptions,particularly for life. With (conjoined): a copy letter, one page, fol., from “Somerville” to Pearson, 20 Dec. 1799, in which he declines “His Royal Highness’s nomination to the Presidency of your excellent Society” because he is going to Lisbon. He wishes him success, gives advice about the sort ofPresident to be elected, and says that he will subscribe. See DNB. The “vaccine pock institution” was established on 2 Dec. 1799as a result of Pearson’s efforts. “[Pearson’s] claims both as a critic and apopulariser of vaccination are undeniable”.