British chemist (1852–1916) who discovered the noble gases and won the 1904 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. ALS signed “W. Ramsay,” one page both sides, 5 x 8, University of London letterhead, December 5, 1908. Letter to Chris Taylor. In part: “A similar sample was sent me from Chili or Peru about a year ago. A Frenchman appears to have received one too; & in a late number of the Comptes rendus de l’academie des Sciences, an investigation is described, in which it is stated to be due to the radioactivity of the soil & the air near it. It is suggested that this radioactivity is the cause of the large deposits of sodium nitrate—’Chile’ Saltpetre—on the W. of the Andes. Could you tell me if any special deposits are found near when your sample turned violet? Borax, or nitrates, or so-called alkali? It is said to be due to the manganese in the glass; but I think that doubtful, for under the influence radium emanation all soda-glass turns violet, whether it contains manganese or not.” Uniform toning, with a few heavier spots, pencil notation under signature, and a Rawlins Collection label affixed to lower left corner of reverse, otherwise fine condition. RRAuction COA.
