Anglo-Irish astronomer, geophysicist, ornithologist, and explorer (1788–1883) whose most notable work was research on the Earth's magnetic field. ALS, one page both sides, 7 x 8.75, May 18, 1846. Letter to Professor Keely of Waterville College, Maine. In part: “I hope that you have received the meteorological instruments, and that they traveled without injury. The person who I employed to make them has been (and his father before him) the real maker of thermometers…He has I believe taken much pain with your instruments; his charges are high; they were higher, but I insisted on their being lowered; he asserts strongly that the prices in the assessed account are not remunerating prices for thermometers with such extent of scale, and on which care has been [taken] to render them scientific instruments & not toys…We are now determining the constants of temperature of the magnets…The dipping needle is also completed, & seems a very nice instrument.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds (one vertical fold passing through a single letter of the signature), and light toning. RR Auction COA.
