Description:

Abraham Lincoln issues a superb Medical Inspector's commission to John L. Le Conte. Great scientific association.

Partly-printed Document Signed, "Abraham Lincoln," as President, 1 page, 16" x 19.25" on parchment, Washington, April 20, 1864, an ornately-engraved military commission appointing John L. Le Conte as "Medical Inspector with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel." Countersigned, "E M Stanton," as Secretary of War. Offered together with the original transmittal letter, dated Washington April 28, 1864. Expected folds, one of which runs through Lincoln's bold signature but does not detract, else very fine condition.

John L. Le Conte (1825-1883) was born in New York to naturalist John Eatton Le Conte (1784-1860). He studied medicine at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, graduating in 1846. After he left medical school, he undertook a series of scientific expeditions including California, Panama, Honduras and the Colorado River Valley. During the Civil War, Le Conte was commissioned a surgeon in June 1862 before the present promotion. Le Conte served in the capacity of medical inspector the until he was mustered out in October 1865 (Heitman). In 1878, Le Conte became the chief clerk of the United States Mint, a position he held until his death. Considered the greatest American entomologist of the century, Le Conte described approximately half of the insect taxa known to exist in the United States at the time, including nearly 5,000 species of beetles. Today, Le Conte is considered "the father of American beetle study." A member of the American Philosophical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, he was a founder of the American Entomological Society and a charter member of the National Academy of Sciences.

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January 28, 2016 10:30 AM EST
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