German inventor and mechanical engineer, famous for the invention of the diesel engine, who died under mysterious circumstances in 1913. Scarce ALS in German, signed “Diesel,” on a 5.25 x 3.5 postcard, no date, but postmarked Paris, September 17, 1885. Letter to Mr. Theodor Ackermann. In full (translated): “In reply to your esteemed postcard from the 7J along with catalogues, I ask you to kindly send: Marcker, manual of the fabrication of spirit 1880 also: Bergmann Kogel. Practical Millconstructor 4 edition Weimar 1880.—If possible antiquarian; only if this is not at all possible, please send a new copy—Please tell me also if and on what terms you can procure for me an antiquarian copy of Perels Manual of the Agricultural Machines last edition.—Will immediately send the amount on account.” Several postal cancellations over text, as well as some mild toning and soiling, otherwise fine condition.
By the fall of 1885—as Diesel dispatched this letter—the mechanical engineer had already set up a laboratory in Paris and began an intensive study of machinery and steam engines...part of what was to be a 13-year ordeal of creating his distinctive engine. As he began his journey of discovery, Diesel here solicits such educational tomes as the “manual of the fabrication of spirit” and antiquarian editions of “Practical Millconstructor” and “Perels Manual of the Agricultural Machines.” Such works helped Diesel improve upon the inefficient, cumbersome, and sometimes dangerous steam engines of the period—at first intending to operate it on a vegetative source but ultimately patenting a device that could use a variety of fuels. This letter serves as a unique and early ‘building block’ of the diesel engine. RRAuction COA.
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