SCIENCE
ALLESANDRO VOLTA ~~ THE INVENTOR OF THE BATTERY
SENDING METAL “PLATES” OR COMPONENTS OF HIS ‘VOLTAIC PILE’ TO A SCIENTIFIC COLLEAGUE!
VOLTA, ALLESANDRO (1745-1827) Italian physicist, chemist and pioneer of electricity research; best known for the development of the first electric cell [battery] in 1800. Exceptional Autograph Letter Signed, “A. Volta”, in Italian. One full page, quarto. Milano, April 14, 1813.
FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE’S BOOK: NOTES ON NURSING, WHAT IT IS, AND WHAT IT IS NOT — WITH TIPPED IN PRESENTATION FROM HER, ON THE TITLE PAGE!
NIGHTINGALE, FLORENCE. (1820-1910). British nurse, hospital reformer and humanitarian. Her book: Notes on Nursing, what it is and what it is not. Harrison, London, [1860]. First edition, very early, true first state, with the notice: “[The right of translation is reserved]” at the base of the title page and with illustrated, light-yellow end-papers bearing advertisements for Burkes’ Peerage, The Foreign Office List for 1860 [with the 8 in 1860 in slightly larger type] and Anthems for Parish Choirs listed. Original dark brown/black pebbled cloth, with front cover lettered in gilt, blind-stamped ruling to covers, and spine.
THE PIONEER BOTANIST, AND AGRICULTURALIST — LUTHER BURBANK — RECALLS READING THE ”YOUTH’S COMPANION” WHEN NINE OR TEN YERAS OLD AND LAMENTS HE HAS LITTLE TIME TO WRITE ARTICLES FOR THEM, NOTING: ”THE MAKERS OF HISTORY SELDOM WRITE IT”
BURBANK, LUTHER (1849-1926) American botanist, horticulturist, and a pioneer in agricultural science. Typed Letter Signed, “Luther Burbank,” On his name-imprinted “Burbank’s Experiment Farms” letterhead. One full page, small quarto. Santa Rosa, California. January 17, 1905.
HYMAN RICKOVER, THE FATHER OF THE AMERICAN NUCLEAR NAVY ANNOUNCES THE COMPLEATION OF THE SEA TRIALS OF THE USS SIMON BOLIVAR, THE 31ST POLARIS SUBMARINE AND GIVES A STUNNING RECOUNTING OF THE EPIC LIFE AND NATURE OF THE SOUTH AMERICAN PATRIOT!
RICKOVER, HYMAN GEORGE. (1900-86). United States naval officer responsible for developing the nuclear-powered submarine. Wonderful Typed Letter Signed, “H.G. Rickover”, on imprinted USS Simon Bolivar (SSBN641), Care of Fleet Post Office letterhead. Two full pages, quarto. “At Sea, North Atlantic”, September 28, 1965. Excellent condition.
‘MONTY’ ACKNOWLEDGES THE CAPTURE OF ALL THE V1 AND V2 ROCKET LAUNCH SITES
MONTGOMERY, BERNARD LAW, FIRST VISCOUNT OF ALAMEIN. (1887-1976). British soldier. Remarkable War-date, Typed Letter Signed, “Yrs. ever, B.L. Montgomery”, on his crested and imprinted Headquarters: 21 Army Group stationery. One page, large octavo. TAC Headquarters, September 14, 1944
THE 30 YEAR OLD NATURALIST, AND FUTURE EVOLUTIONIST: CHARLES DARWIN SENDS COPIES OF THE THIRD VOLUME OF HIS: THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE
DARWIN, CHARLES. (1809-82). British scientist. Highly-Important, and exceptionally early Autograph Letter Signed, “C. Darwin.” Four very full pages, octavo. No place, “Tuesday,” no date [circa 1839]. Fine condition. To “Dear Sir” [most likely Henry Colburn, Darwin’s first publisher].
FLOYD BENNETT ~~ SIGNED AND DATED FROM THE FIRST FLIGHT TO THE NORTH POLE
BENNETT, FLOYD. (1890-1928). American Naval aviator; along with USN Commander Richard E. Byrd, credited with making the first flight to the North Pole in May 1926; was awarded the Medal of Honor. Surprising scarce, Autograph Sentiment Signed.