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 instrumental in building the university’s enviable natural history collection. ALS signed “L. Agassiz,” two pages, 4 x 6.5, July 5, 1855. Agassiz writes to R. Vanderbilt Spader. He begins the letter on a printed circular, dated May 28, 1855, consisting of his own appeal for subscribers to an illustrated work on natural history, and continues on a same-sized blank sheet. In full: “Absence from Cambridge during the whole summer must be my apology for this late answer to your letter of July 2d. The enclosed paper will answer all your questions satisfactorily I hope. Meanwhile I have entered your name upon my subscription list.” Accompanied by a handsome period portrait engraving. A few minor wrinkles, tiny edge tear to first page, and intersecting mailing folds (horizontal fold touching signature), otherwise fine, clean condition. R&R COA.
