French engineer (1841–1925) best known for his pioneering work in aviation. Rare ALS in French, signed “Ct Ader,” one page both sides, 4.75 x 6.5, Villa Labourdette letterhead, February 12, 1921. An important letter to Jacques Mortane, an early champion of aviation who wrote about Ader, evoking his awakening to engineering: “I see that the article you plan for ‘La vie au grand air’ is a retrospective interview. I must say that what you ask has happened such a long time ago (about 65 years) and when it happened it did not call much attention and was soon forgotten. I retold this story ten years ago at a dinner. Today, the attention given to this would be much greater and it could become news again, if this is what you are after. I could write about 150 lines and it would make a nice addition in the collection that you propose to gather.” In fine condition. RR Auction COA.
