Important British botanist and explorer (1817-1911) who was Charles Darwin's closest friend; he served as director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, for 20 years. ALS signed “Jos. D. Hooker,” twelve pages on three sets of adjoining sheets, 3.5 x 5.25, November 22, 1865. Long handwritten letter to English botanist and taxonomist Maxwell T. Masters, in part: "My most serious, & indeed insuperable reason for declining to take any responsible position with regard to the Congress, is, that I could not stand it…I have felt, & do feel, that the responsibility would crush me. Public positions actually torment me…such a Congress as this would unhinge me for months. With my other duties & scientific works, I ought not to place myself in this predicament…I am already beginning to feel the heavy pressure of my duties here." He goes on to make reference to several fellow botanists, including Bentham, Harvey, Dickie, Babington, Balfour, and others. He considers some of these men as "our best Botanists," while others "add little dignity & less science" to any potential body of scientists. In fine condition, with a rusty circular paperclip impression to the top.
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