Eminent and versatile Swiss-born American zoologist and geologist (1807–1873) who carried out much of his research as a longtime faculty member at Harvard, where he was also instrumental in building the university’s enviable natural history collection. ALS signed “L. Agassiz,” one page, 7.75 x 10, June 5, 1855. Letter to James P. Kimball. In full: “It will give me great pleasure to give you such letters of introduction for my friends in Germany as may be useful in your studies. Allow me however to state that unless your special object be to study Chemistry with Professor Wöhler in Göttingen, you would do better to select either Berlin or Munich for the Study of the other branches of Nat. Hist. For mining you can not select better than Freiberg. Let me know whether you are actually bound for Göttingen. I will send you letters accordingly.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, mounting remnants to reverse left edge, and a few slight ripples. After receiving this letter, Kimball enrolled at the Humboldt University of Berlin, then transferred to the University of Göttingen where he studied under Wohler, receiving his Ph.D. in 1857. Pursuing his profession, he became a noted geologist, capping his career by being appointed Director of the US Mint by President Cleveland. RR Auction COA.
