American chemist and inventor (1853–1927) best known for several innovations related to explosives, including smokeless gunpowder. Uncommon typed manuscript, seven pages, 8.5 x 11, no date but circa 1923, signed at the conclusion in black ink. The article, entitled "Japanese Conquest of America Now Imminent and Inevitable," after opening with rising concerns of an imminent Japanese invasion, soon clarifies that the invaders are not human but insect, in part: "If we were invaded by a real Japanese army, we might rise up and expel the invaders, or, failing in that, we might purchase our freedom with a heavy indemnity. But the case is different with the Japanese beetle. It is an enemy far more difficult to combat or eliminate than a human enemy. The insect hatches out underground in the form of a grub, which attacks and eats the roots of grass and every growing thing. When mature, it emerges in the form of a flying beetle about half an inch long, which attacks and voraciously devours all kinds of garden produce, all kinds of fruit trees and all kinds of fruit, and all kinds of leaf-bearing shrubs and trees. The season of infestation is so long that the beetles give the trees no time to releaf and recover, and the trees die within three years. The Japanese beetle is the most all-devouring, the most universally destructive insect pest in the world. It is, furthermore, wonderfully hardy, and multiplies with astounding rapidity. The beetle is a strong flier, which enables it to spread rapidly." In fine condition, with a file hole to the upper left corner of each page. Accompanied by a copy of a letter related to the article, dated March 12, 1923. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$35.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
