Russian physiologist (1849–1936) best known for his investigation of conditioned reflex through the use of experiments involving salivating dogs. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1904. Excellent TLS in English, signed “I. Pavlov,” one page, 8.5 x 11, personal letterhead, December 2, 1935. Pavlov writes to Professor George Vaughan at the University of Arkansas School of Law. In part: “I am ready to believe in an impending spiritual awakening, especially intensifying the religious feeling, and I consider this to be rather a positive phenomenon than a negative one.... We, human beings, in our present state are the summit of a mighty, extensive evolutional, if only, as it were, earthly process, i.e. bearer of a further ideal aspiration of the earthly nature. But, being as we are at present, we, naturally, are not the completion of evolution?! [sic] This unfailing ideal aspiration, having reached a certain grade, has to stop because of a possibly complete realization and invigoration of the ideal on this stage. A halt, however, is as always the case, is, on the one hand, consequently leading to a simplification and narrowing of high aspirations and, simultaneously, strongly puts forth all that which out firstly to be excluded out of life, to be left behind, as for instance the present preparation of humanity to used to the greatest extent all sources of science and technics for a horrid mutual destruction. On the other hand, this same halt naturally periodically sharpens the advance towards the ideal. But this progress, in the historical period of development of our general notions, has been connected with religion, in general, with spiritualism; that is why at present it manifests itself in the contraposition of our body, with his seemingly low, rudely sensible and limited inclinations, to our spirit, with his high, dimply perceptible and unlimited aspirations.” In good condition, with intersecting folds, a few creases, adhesive reinforcement to one binding hole, a few words in text circled in red pencil, faint pencil erasure traces (a few near but not touching signature), and chipping and tears to edges. The signature is clear, bold, and completely unaffected, and itself easily rates fine; virtually all of the most obvious faults (i.e., those at the edges) can easily be matted out for a most handsome display. Letters from Pavlov are quite elusive; those in English, and boasting such superb and significant philosophical content, are of the greatest scarcity. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
