Signed book: Natural History by George Riley. Third American edition. Worcester, Massachusets: Isaiah Thomas, 1798. Hardcover with leather slipcase bearing an emblem for The Institute for Advanced Study on the front, 3.5 x 6, 274 pages. The inside of the slipcase bears a presentation written in an unknown hand to director Abraham Flexner, “To the First Director of the Institute for Advanced Study from the First Faculty,” and is signed underneath in blue and black ink by 15 faculty members, signing in alphabetical order. Signers are (in order): James Alexander, Edward M. Earle, Albert Einstein, Hetty Goldman, Ernst Herzfeld, Elias Lowe, Benjamin Meritt, Marston Morse, John von Neumann, Erwin Panofsky, Winfield Riefler, Walter Stewart, Oswald Veblen, Robert B. Warren, and Hermann Weyl. The first free end page of the book bears a gift presentation, “Marie C. Eichelsen from her chief,” with a signed statement of provenance written on the second free end page, “This book belonged to my grandfather Benj. C. Gilman of Exeter, N.H., whose signature is on page x. D. C. Gilman.” Reverse of the title page bears a date stamp and presentation which reads, “May 13, 1938, gift of Miss Elisabeth Gilman.”
Book description: VG+/None. Beautifully rebound by Joseph Ruzicka (well-known bookbinder for the Johns Hopkins University Libraries, among others) in mustard cloth and tan calfskin with stamped gilt title on spine. Textblock is discolored and shows light scattered spots throughout; dampstain to ffep; minor creases to upper corner of first several pages. Brown leather case is in three pieces; all edges worn; spine slightly sunned; scuffs and discoloration from removed tape that presumably held the case together at one point.
Founded in 1930 by Abraham Flexner, the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton has been since its inception one of the most highly regarded independent postgraduate centers for theoretical research in the world. While studying at Johns Hopkins University, Flexner found immense inspiration in the first president of the University, Daniel Coit Gilman, and used his principles and methods as a guide, especially in his founding of the IAS. This book, given by Gilman’s daughter, Maryland gubernatorial candidate Elisabeth Gilman, held special significance for Flexner as it came from his idol’s family library and contains his handwritten and signed note of provenance. This thoughtful gift is signed not only by the institute’s most famous professor, Albert Einstein, but also by other titans of their fields, including mathematical giants Weyl and von Neumann. Seeking out the best in the world, Flexner built a faculty that would go on to win Nobel Prizes, Fields Medals, and countless other honors. This is a remarkable and unique piece, bringing together unquestionably some of the most important scientists and mathematicians in the world. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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