science

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.

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.

THOMAS EDISON SIGNED CHECK   —   PAYING HIS TELEGRAPH BILL

EDISON, THOMAS A.  (1847-1931). American inventor.  Partly-Printed Check Signed, “Thos. A. Edison”.  One page, oblong octavo.  West Orange, New Jersey, December 13, 1927.

EXCEEDINGLY RARE AUTOGRAPH DOCUMENT SIGNED BY DR. JOSEPH WARREN WHO WAS KILLED AT THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL IN 1775  —  ADDITIONALLY SIGNED BY HIS BROTHER,  DR. JOHN WARREN

SENDING HIS BILL FOR MEDICINES AND HIS ATTENDANCE IN THE MASSACHUSETTS PROVINCIAL CONGRESS FROM MAY 1772 TO JANUARY 1773

An exceedingly-rare Autograph Document Signed, “Joseph Warren Dr” in the third person, in the body of the document.  One page, oblong octavo. Lightly silked for preservation, else very fine condition. No place, [Boston], January 1773.  Additionally docketed on the verso by his brother JOHN WARREN.  (1753-1815)

JAMES WATT ~~ PREPARES TO SIT FOR A MEDAL AND BUST TO BE MADE OF HIM, MARKING HIS ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE LAST 80 YEARS  ~~  AND REFERENCES FINISHING ONE OF HIS LAST STEAM ENGINES

WATT, JAMES.  (1736-1819).  Scottish mechanical engineer and inventor.  Rare and fine, Autograph Letter Signed, “James Watt”.  One full page, quarto.  Heathfield, February 19, 1818.  Very fine condition.  To F. L. Chantrey, Esq. 

JULES VERNE REFERS TO THE SECOND ATTACK OF FACIAL PARALYSIS [BELL’S PALSY] WHICH AFFLICTED HIM THROUGHOUT HIS LIFE, AND FOR WHICH HE SOUGHT TREATMENT BY ELECTRICAL STIMULATION

VERNE, JULES (1828-1905) French author;  pioneered the science-fiction genre;  best known for his novels: A Journey to the Centre of the Earth (1864), Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, (1870), and Around the World in Eighty Days (1872). Uncommon Autograph Letter Signed, “Jules Verne,” in French.  One full page, octavo.  “Boulevard Bonne, Nouvelle 18”. Paris,  Thursday, February 15^th, no year. [1855].