German naturalist and explorer (1769-1859) who wrote Kosmos, a massive five-volume study which attempted to unify the various branches of man's knowledge. ALS in French, signed “Le B'n de Humboldt,” two pages both sides, 8.5 x 10.75, September 1, 1854. Untranslated letter to James Colvill, the president of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, offering insight into a potential visit to India, with Humboldt suggesting that he travel to and climb the Himalayas, an experience Humboldt had long wished to fulfill: “The dream that has obsessed me all my life since I came back from Mexico and before the expedition to Siberia was also, alas, the dream of a voyage to the Malayas and part of Tibet. I even dedicated three years to the study of the Persian language. Vain and sad disappointed hopes!” Additionally, Humboldt gives a physical description of the country and mentions his late brother Wilhelm, who had learned Sanskrit. In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed by Humboldt, who adds his surname to the lower left portion.
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