Description:

Thomas Jefferson
[Monticello, VA], [January 28, 1826]
T. Jefferson on Aurora Borealis: "These phenomena proceed doubtless from… reflection and refraction…" Important Scientific Content!
ALS

A partial holograph letter from Thomas Jefferson to Dr. Charles Meriwether in which he discusses an appearance of the aurora borealis. 1p, measuring 7.75" x 4.5", n.p. [Monticello], n.d. [January 28, 1826]. Signed at conclusion as "Th: Jefferson" and backed on separate sheet of paper. While incomplete, a full transcript of the original correspondence can be found on the National Archives' website "Founders Online". The letter exhibits scattered soiling and dampstaining with areas of minor ink fading. Seven pin holes present along bottom margin above signature, not affecting text. Good to fair overall with remarkable scientific content.

Reading in full:
"…these appearances, very common in high latitudes, are so rare in lower ones that I never heard but of a single one seen in this state. Capt. Parry in his late voyage discovery, saw them frequently where he wintered in latitude 76 degrees. I inclose you the diagrams of three, copied from his book, one of them nearly as complicated as yours. These phenomena proceed doubtless from combinations of reflection and refraction, their prismatic circles depending on the laws of the Solar rainbow, the white ones on those of the Lunar. The solar bow being single and simple is readily explained. But those of the Halo, from their numerous centres of relation, are not of so easy investigation. It is singular that yours was twice seen over such an extent of country, and at times so distant. I salute you with all the sincerity of antient friendship & respect."

Jefferson was a systematic weather observer throughout his life, as can be seen through a series of meteorological diaries he kept starting from the year 1776. They contained kept a mostly continuous record of his weather observations in America, Europe, and even the mid-Atlantic, where he measured precipitation and daily temperature ranges. In a 1790 letter to Thomas Mann Randolph, the future President noted his methods of observation, also taking into account "… the appearance of birds, leafing and flowering of trees, frosts remarkeably late or early, Aurora borealis, &c."

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: 7.75" x 4.5"
  • Medium: ALS

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