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English mathematician and writer (1815–1852) and the only daughter of Lord Byron, chiefly known for her work on Charles Babbage's early mechanical general-purpose computer, including what is recognized as the first algorithm intended to be processed by a machine; because of this, she is often considered the world's first computer programmer. Extremely rare ALS signed “Augusta Ada Lovelace,” one page both sides, 4.25 x 7, August 5, no year but docketed 1845 on the reverse. Letter to the publisher of ‘The Westminster Magazine.’ In part: “I must thank you for your obliging reply to my letter on the subject of the article on ‘the Kosmos’ of Humboldt. Mr. John Cross will communicate further with you concerning it (and has perhaps already done so). I beg you to refer to him for all further negotiations respecting this article. I may possibly however find occasion to trouble you with some other literary communications before very long (not of course with any reference to the ensuing number of the Westminster).” Separation to fold adjoining second integral sheet (apparently repaired at edges, but separation passes through the signature), and show-through from writing on opposing sides, otherwise very good condition.
As a respected writer on science, and a celebrity due to her birth, Lovelace had been approached for an article on the recently published first volume of Alexander von Humboldt’s Kosmos, a book destined to become a classic work. Lovelace’s “other literary communications,” that she announces in this letter “before very long” may have included mathematical contributions on subjects she was working on at the time. It was a mere two years earlier when Lovelace had written her fundamental article on Babbage’s machine. Young John Cross was likely Lovelace’s lover since the previous year, and her representative in dealings with the magazine. She bequeathed Lord Byron’s heirlooms to him and called for his constant presence next to her during the final stages of cancer she endured in 1852. Lovelace’s letters are very rare, likely due to her retired life and early death at 36, and have reached record prices when offered in the market.
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