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Lot #191
George Washington Carver

Dr. Carver writes to his first polio patient, a student at Tuskegee: “You would be surprised to know how much encouragement it gives them”

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Description

Dr. Carver writes to his first polio patient, a student at Tuskegee: “You would be surprised to know how much encouragement it gives them”

ALS signed “G. W. Carver,” one page both sides, 8.5 x 11, Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute letterhead, March 29, 1935. Letter to Floyd Anderson. In part: “Dear, you are developing such fine literary taste. I am so proud of my dear, handsome boy. Your test for Calcite (a carbonate) was right, when you come down I will shew [sic] you another test. We will put in the time all right when you come, I will not have much time the way my patients are multiplying. I give them all your greetings, shew [sic] them your picture and you would be surprised to know how much encouragement it gives them. They all agree that you are a very handsome boy, I assure them that they are right, from every angle. My but it will be fine to have my boy with me. Fine that you are making such success with your electric work. Now, ‘dear’ do be careful, don’t take such risks do not shock yourself that way you might injure yourself permanently. Well I am not at all wonderful but I have a wonderful boy at Chipley Ga. to whom I am writing. He is my Young ‘Edison.’” Intersecting folds and scattered toning, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Carver’s hand.

Anderson was a longtime friend of Carver’s and spent a couple of weeks each summer at Tuskeegee Institute visiting him, and was also the first patient treated for the after-effects of infantile paralysis with peanut oils. Carver mentored the young man, and used him as an example of the how recovery was possible. “I [show] them your picture and you would be surprised to know how much encouragement it gives them,” he explains here. Carver, a trailblazing scientist, also offers some fatherly advise to Anderson, who had embarked on scientific experiments of his own. “Do be careful, don’t take such risks do not shock yourself that way you might injure yourself permanently...my Young ‘Edison,’” he teases. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title:
  • Dates: #375 - Ended September 14, 2011





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