British chemist (1852–1916) who discovered the noble gases and won the 1904 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. ALS signed “W. Ramsay,” one page, 5 x 8, University College, London letterhead, May 7, 1906. Ramsay writes to William H. Rideing, editor of The Youth’s Companion magazine. In part: “I am sending you a short article on ‘How discoveries are made.’ I hope you will be able to substitute it for the one you returned. I am quite familiar with Faraday’s candle [a famous series of 1860 lectures by Michael Faraday]; but things have advanced so far since his time that he would have had much more difficulty in making his candle luminous….” Also included is a 1902 receipt acknowledging payment of $100 from the magazine for serial rights to an article titled “The Value of Scientific Research,” signed “W. A. Ramsay.” Light vertical fold and marginal tear to letter (slightly touching recipient’s name), and intersecting folds to receipt, otherwise fine condition. R&R COA.
