Description:

François Arago, 2 ALSs to Scientific Colleagues

Two autograph letters in French signed by noted French astronomer, mathematician, and physicist François Arago (1786-1853), addressed to Parisian and British scientific colleagues and dating from Arago's early to established mid-career, ca. 1825-1832. Both letters are accompanied by catalogue descriptions which provide summaries of the contents, and excerpts translated into English. The letter from 1832 comes with a complete English translation.

The lot is comprised of:

1. A 2pp autograph letter in French boldly signed by François Arago, as "F Arago" on the second page. The letter also includes a lengthy postscript and Arago's endorsed integral address leaf. [Paris, France], Monday, May 2, 1825. Written on watermarked, cream, laid paper. Expected light wear including transmittal folds and minor weathering to the address leaf. The third page is blank. Else near fine. 7.125" x 9.375."

Arago wrote this letter to "Monsieur Berthier, Ingénieur des Mines / Paris," referring to French geologist Pierre Berthier (1782-1861). Berthier had gained considerable mining field experience in the early nineteenth century, becoming Chief Engineer of Mines and supervising the laboratory of the Mining School in Paris. He also discovered bauxite, a type of sedimentary rock found in Provence, and the rare ore mineral Berthierite. Armed with Arago's recommendation, Berthier was admitted to the French Academy of Sciences in 1825.

In the letter, Arago requests that Berthier lets him know when the two can meet to schedule an imminent meeting with Auguste de Marmont, the Duke of Ragusa (1774-1852), and a Napoleonic War general. The "Duc de Raguse" was bringing "1 or 2 associates, who, according to him, have a great need to meet an Engineer of the Mines." The two men came from Burgundy, a region in east-central France, and were leaving Paris soon, necessitating Arago's urgent request. In the postscript, Arago writes: "They have announced that the industrial commission will meet next Friday at the observatory at 7:30 pm. If you have definitely chosen Dufresnoy, have the goodness to speak to him of the business and encourage him to set a meeting."

2. A 2pp autograph letter in French fancifully signed by François Arago, as "F Arago" on the second page. Written in Paris, France on July 12, 1835 on either side of a sheet of paper with "Institut de France / Académie Royale des Sciences" [trans: "Institute of France / Royal Academy of Sciences" letterhead, complete with a depiction of Marianne wearing a helmet. Expected folds. A mounting strip is adhered to the left edge of the paper, and there is minor loss to the upper right corner, else near fine. 8" x 10." Comes with a complete English translation.

In the letter, Arago requests that an unidentified British colleague make introductions for Arago's friend, Louis-Étienne Héricart de Thury (1776-1854), during the latter's upcoming trip to London. A respected mining engineer, de Thury became a member of the French Academy of Sciences in 1824. Arago writes in part: "Permit me to recommend to your goodwill, Mr. the Vicomte Héricart de Thury, our colleague at the Academy of Sciences, who plans to spend several days in London and its environs. Mr. de Thury, whose works, as you know, are principally devoted to geology, would be happy if you would put him in touch with some of the people, who -- in your country -- cultivate this science with such distinction…"

François Arago was elected a member of the French Academy of Sciences around 1809. He served as an astronomer at the Paris Observatory from 1809 to 1853, and as a lecturer in astronomy at the Paris Observatory from 1812 to 1845, becoming director of the site in 1830. He served as secretary of the French Academy of Sciences after 1830.

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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