Description:

Edmond Becquerel
Paris, France, August 1, 1878
Edmond Becquerel ALS Re: "my complete records of meteorological observations for 1878"
ALS
A 1p autograph letter in French signed by Edmond Becquerel (1820-1891), the French physicist, as "Ed Becquerel" at lower right. August 1, 1878. Paris, France. On laid bifold paper with a thin black mourning border. The inner pages and the outer leaf are blank. Expected wear including flattened folds and isolated closed tears. The central vertical crease at the gutter has a few minor splits at top and bottom. Gentle, even toning with isolated right edge darkening. A former collector's pencil inscription is found at lower right. Else near fine. 5.25" x 8.125."

Becquerel wrote this note to one "Monsieur Mauidron," probably one of his publishing contacts.

Translated in part:

"I gave M. Bertrand this past Monday my complete records of meteorological observations for 1878, so that it can be inserted into the Academy's records… As soon as you return to Paris, I will be obliged to you to bring it to the l'imprimerie Chamuot [a printer] so that it can be compared.

Make sure to say that the proofs should be sent to me at Jacqueminière near Courtenay Loiret, where I am going to stay for several months…"

This letter reveals the wide scope of Edmond Becquerel's scientific interests. Although he was best known for his studies in solar radiation and energy storage, magnetism, photography, luminescence, and light, this letter reveals that Becquerel was also interested in meteorology and earth sciences. Several decades earlier, Edmond Becquerel had co-written a textbook along with his father, Antoine César Becquerel, called "Éléments de physique terrestre et météorologie" ["Elements of terrestrial physics and meteorology"] (Paris: Librairie de Firmin Didot Frères, 1847). In this treatise, Becquerel Père and Fils explored such topics as geology, temperature, soil, climate, hydrology, atmosphere, pressure, clouds, storms, lightning, and unexplained meteorological phenomena. Evidently the younger Becquerel's interest in meteorology remained unabated, as evidenced by his careful recording of wind, rain, snow, and other weather events which occurred in France in 1878.

The "Academy" almost certainly referred to the "Académie des Sciences," an organization of scientists, savants, and intellectuals established in the 17th century. Meteorological data collection was still very much a community-led effort in 19th century France. Scientists like Becquerel, as well as citizen scientists such as college students and professors, submitted weather statistics to informational clearinghouses. 1878 was coincidentally a very important year in the history of French meteorology; this was the year that the Bureau Central Météorologique (BCM) was established, marking the departure of the Meteorological Service from the Paris Observatory.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 5.25" x 8.125"
  • Medium: ALS

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