Lot 418

Scottish Surgeon Robert Wight ALS to Mentor of Charles Darwin

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Scottish Surgeon Robert Wight ALS to Mentor of Charles Darwin

Estimate: $300 - $400

Starting Bid: $100

(0 Bids)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

Robert Wight
Kinross, Perth and Kinross, Scotland, March 20, 1833
Scottish Surgeon Robert Wight ALS to Mentor of Charles Darwin
ALS

Robert Wight (1796-1872). Autograph letter signed, "Robt. Wight," 3pp bifolium with integral address leaf, 7.875" x 9.875", Kinross, Perth and Kinross, Scotland, March 20, 1833. Remnants of red wax seal and circular postmark at verso. Scattered pencil notations from a former collector. Expected transmittal folds and creases, some with separation and minor loss. Soiling, browning, and foxing. Light ink show-through. Evident reinforcement along right edge verso. In good plus to near very good condition.

To Reverend Mr. Henslow, Professor of Botany at Cambridge, in part:

"I do not recollect whether I mentioned in my former letters that I was now engaged in preparing for the prep a flora of the Indian peninsula into which I am anxious to introduce, all the plants, not only of my own Herbarium, but also, all those from the Herbaria of "Madras" "Thyme" "Rottler" & "Rupel."

"In preparing characters of the species we have been more detailed than is usual partly from the difficulty of adequately defining plants in few words in the present state state [sic] of the Science but principally for the sake of facilitating the study of Botany among a class of men not much given to great mental exertion (Indians!)"

"My object in now writing is to ask whether you will communicate the monograph in question? In that case, I shall immediately forward my set for your examination & determination...will you oblige us with the use of your specimens from the above named herbaria...we will take the greatest care of the specimens..."

John Stevens Henslow (1796-1861) was a British clergyman, geologist, and botanist who served as the Professor of Botany at the University of Cambridge from 1825 to 1861. A key figure in 19th-century science, Henslow transformed botany at Cambridge from a neglected subject into a popular discipline by introducing hands-on teaching methods, requiring students to examine, dissect, and analyze plant specimens directly. He is best known for being the mentor and friend of Charles Darwin.

Wight was a Scottish surgeon and botanist who spent more than three decades working in India. In 1816, Wight qualified in medicine at Edinburgh University, after which he became a ship's surgeon and sailed on several voyages, including to the United States. He then applied for a position with the East India Company and in 1819 sailed as assistant surgeon for Asia, marking the beginning of his long career in India. He was soon promoted to full surgeon with the 33rd Regiment of the E.I.C. Native Infantry. His interest in botany developed, however, and within three years he was put in charge of the botanic gardens at Madras and was later appointed naturalist to the E.I.C. This appointment gave Wight the opportunity to make extensive collections of plants in the south of India. His greatest achievements were in botany, as an economic botanist and leading taxonomist in south India. He also contributed to the introduction of American cotton.

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: 7.875" x 9.875"
  • Medium: ALS

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