Science, Medicine and Technology

British civil engineer of the Victorian period (DNB). One page, 16mo, good condition, with remains of four pieces of gummed paper still adhering to blank reverse. Expresses his sincere regret at learning of the death of his 'old friend' the correspondent's husband. 'May the God of all consolation be very present with you and your family.' According to his DNB entry Fox was strict in his religious observances.

English chemist. States that he will be happy to sign his correspondent's nephew's application for the Fellowship of the Chemical Society. '[F]rom personal knowledge I have no doubt that my friend Mr Hake [Thomas Gordon Hake, 1809-95, DNB] will do the same.' Docketed by recipient on otherwise blank second leaf.

Victorian geologist (DNB). 'Amongst the many pleasant recollections which the Members of the British Association will retain of their visit to Norwich will be that of their hospitable reception by Sir Robert Harvey. The Lecture over which I had the honor to preside (C.) has to be directly grateful, for we were twice guests at Crown Point.'

Surgeon and medical writer (1826-1895). Two pages, 8vo. As follows: "Let me acknowledge the pleasure with which I have read your paper on the obstacles to Science teaching in school. It is by such efforts as yours, and I think in this way only, that the obstacles will be overcome."

The Elder. Surgeon and physiologist (1783-1862). Two pages, 8vo. He is sorry to find that the Dean and his wife are ill, and that he cannot accept an invitation.

Physician (1851-1933). One page, 12mo. "Dear Mr President / I enclose list with a few names added You will find that you had included in your list a large number of the Committee - / Sincy yrs / W. Whitla" With gummed paper from previous mounting adhering to the blank verso.

Earl of Cranbrook. [On 2 July, Hardy was appointed to the Poor Law Board.] Statesman. One page, 8vo, laid down with envelope (stamped and addressed and counter-signed by Hardy, good condition. He thanks her for her "pamphlet on Cholera and its cure. I will submit it ot some more competent judge of the matter than I am." [Pamphlet not traced but a BLC search incovers over 100 titles involving cholera for the year 1866 alone.]

Professor of Chemistry, Cambridge University (1827-1924). 2pp., 8vo, good. He finds “syllabuses” a reflection of what was considered important at a certain time, and is pleased to have been sent a plan of Wollaston’slectures. He goes on to discuss Wollaston (a predecessor of his in theChair) and the change wrought by his becoming Jacksonian Professor.

Judge (1796-1880). One page, 8vo, good. He asks for an opinion on whether someone could procure a patent on the basis of some papers he is sending to him.

Inventor of a screw propeller (DNB). End of letter clipped, text "Yours very truly / Robt Griffiths", c. 3.5 x 1-1.5" (irregular), good condition.

Chemist, Inventor of water-proof material. See DNB. Two pages, 8vo, good condition. He asks for news about the Duke of Montrose. He describes his current illness, caused by the rupture of of a small artery in the lung - "we have got it soldered up however, but I am leaft weak from very copious bleeding".

Scientist and astronomer. One page, 12mop, margin with remnants of connection to album, good.He invites Brewster to dinner.

Irish scientist. Original letter probably to David Brewster, sceintist, since he contributed substantially to the collection of which this was part (a collection made by his daughter-in-law). Part of letter, c.3.5 x 2". One side "Believe me, Dear Sir, / yours very truly / Dion Lardner". Other side, 21 words, talking about a "subject" and "extensive knowledge", and producing "about twelve s[heets?]", having enclosed a "specimen".

Scottish engineer. Small part of letter, trimmed, formerly laid down, 3 x 1.5". One side, the subscription, "My dear Sir David, / yours faithfully / Wm Fairbairn". Other side, a few words about seeing Brewster and his wife and mentioning Hopkins who appears to be a visitor.

Physician (1792-1882). Two pages, 8vo, bifoliate, some marking but mainly good condition. He requests his pamphlets on "hygiene" and "Hints of Remedies". He reveals that he has read that Turner is in Holy Orders, and asks if he is also a Doctor.

(Pamphlet - Offprint. A Paper read before the North of England Institute of Mining and mechanical Engineers. General Meeting at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, December 8th, 1894 (Excerpt from the Transactions of the Federated Institution of Mining Engineers, London and Newcastle, 1895). 26pp., tall 8vo, 2 plates, one folding, paper wraps, sunned, stained, and chipped, fold mark, wear and tear, contents good, pencil lines by some passages, a few pencilled noets on cover. Owneship signature of Henry J. Young, INSCRIBED "With the Author's Compliments".

Civil engineer (1810-98). One page, 12mo. Dear Sir / I return the papers as you desire. / Having so many calls near home I fail to see how I am expected to support your . / I am / Yours truly / Robert Rawlinson".

Stopes has written lines headed "Marriage" on a 4to page (her birthday, 15 October) extracted from "A Birthday Book designed by her Royal Highness the Princess Beatrice" (1881). The book comprises one day to every page. The book has the bookplate of N. Hardy Wallis (see BLC). Stopes says "Marriage:-/ A stream of sweet content whereon do float/The jewelled flowers of passion to the sea / Of deep and everlasting memory./ Marie C. Stopes.

Surgeon (1836-1901). "My dear Lanyon, / The young woman who has been working for me for some time past comes here when I want her to work, very well knowing my writing &c. I should not like to change without Cause but if an opportunity occur would be glad to assist your friend. I am sorry I missed seeing you, but I hope I shall be fortunate when you call again." Signed "W. MacCormac". With four pieces of gummed paper from mounting still adhering.

South-Eastern Railway secretary, social reformer, author ((1812-1904). Two pages, 8vo. He is presenting one of his books, presumably the "Life of George Stephenson" which was published in July of that year: "The book has been written under great disadvantage, - and has been scraped together as it were out of the scraps & odd bits of my lesser moments. But such as it is I hope it will afford you some pleasure to read." Smiles wrote "Self-Help" among other significant books.

Statesman (1806-1863). Vestiges of its having been laid down in an album. Part of a letter as follows: " . . . chloroform, & with perfect success but she has since suffered much pain. Her recovery, I am happy to say, is . . ." and overleaf the following " . . . & therefore I conclude that it was quite groundless" Ever yrs truly/ GCLewis". Tantalising fragment but Queen Victoria was a well-known pioneer in the use of chloroform in child-birth, and is the likely subject for a letter by a member of her Government.

Civil engineer (1804-63). 2 pp, 12mo. "Dear Sir / Will you excuse the Son of your old Surveyor General so far as to send me a printed copy of the regulations under which Boys come for examination at Woolwich Academy: My Boy will probably be finding his way there & I want to prepare him to meet the Points of examination: - If you have not any of the printed copies perhaps by passing this not into an adjoining room you will be able to send one by my messenger who will wait, & you will much oblige yours faithfull / W. S. Moorsom".

Zoologist. 2pp. each, 8vo. He talks about proofs of his articles,giving instructions, discusses a manuscript he has submitted and congratulates Shorter on photographs of a Siberian mammoth. 3 items,

Surgeon (1805-1873). He discusses the book, "Bell on Expressions" which he is sending, discussing the illustrations tongue-in-cheek.

Zoologist (1861-1933). Two of the cards say very little. The third is as follows: "'Nature' remains, more or less wisely, on an altitude. Books brought ot the altar will be reviewed. Others won't. If Prof. Carr sends a copy to 'Nature', as surely should have been done on publication, the all-highest Editor may send it to me for review, and for return therafter to the alter (sic). As far as \i know, this is the invariable rule. Of course I shall be glad to call attention to first-rate work." 3 items,

Biologist and poet (1860-1933). He accepts with pleasure the invitation to preside at the next Conway Memorial Lecture, and wonders when Tait would like a copy of his introductory remarks.

Engineer. One page, 8vo. He asks him to use his influence in Belfast to get a job for a former pupil of his.

American hydrographer and engineer (1830-1902). Wraps, detached and chipped, pp.370-385, contents good. Inscribed by the author to George Davidson (1825-1911) geodesist and geographer AND ANNOTATED extensively throughout by Davidson, marking passages with underlining, expressing doubts about accuracy with question marks and trenchant comment from "Rot" to short addition, to lengthy disquisition, and adding information from his own wide and detailed knowledge, both Davidson and Mitchell having an interest in the Panama Canal.

2pp., 8vo. Compliments Alexander's "polemic with Mill on the question of 'Liberty and Necessity'"" and promises a review ("some public form").

Politician. 1 and 2pp., 8vo. He discusses an anonymous witness ("la Dame Blanche") in a confidential matter. Later letters discuss a trickster operating in Berkeley's constituency (selling gas without coal with a magnet). He seeks information from Manby whom he believes will have the contacts to get it. Six items,