Description:

Johann Friedrich Meckel
Halle, Germany, August 20, 1829
Johann Friedrich Meckel ALS In English Re: "comparative anatomy … the Hunterian collection"
ALS

A 1p autograph letter in English signed by German anatomist Johann Friedrich Meckel (1781-1833) as "F. Meckel" at lower right. August 20, 1829. Halle, Germany. Inscribed on laid paper, with the integral address leaf also engrossed by Heckel. The inner pages are blank. Expected wear including flattened transmittal folds, toning, isolated foxing, minor edge darkening, and an area of loss corresponding to the wax seal. Scattered pencil inscriptions and mounting traces verso. Else near fine. 7.625" x 9.5."

Johann Friedrich Meckel served as a professor at the University of Halle in central Germany after 1808, specializing in pathological anatomy, obstetrics, and surgery. He wrote this letter recommending a Russian colleague named Dr. Lukin to William Clift (1775-1849), the Conservator of the Hunterian Museum at the Royal College of Surgeons. Clift, a skilled artist, had apprenticed under Scottish surgeon John Hunter (1728-1793) in the early 1790s, learning much about dissection, cataloging, preservation, and comparative anatomy in the process. Clift's mentor Dr. Hunter had assembled an impressive inventory of about 14,000 anatomical preparations of animal and human specimens over the course of his career. Clift was appointed the Conservator of the Hunterian Collection in 1800 after serving as its curator for much of the 1790s.

Meckel wrote in part, with original usage and spelling:

"Dear Sir,

Your kindness against myself, during the time I spent at London gives me the courage to recommend you Dr. Lukin from Russia, who spent a good deal of time at Halle with me, principally for the study of comparative anatomy. He wishes now, to perfectionate himself in this science and I need not to say, that there is no better reason than to frequent as much as possible the Hunterian collection and to profit of your knowledge and instruction. Give him Dear Sir, as much occasion as possible and remember of

Your
most obedient
F. Meckel."

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: 7.625" x 9.5"
  • Medium: ALS

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