German naturalist and explorer (1769-1859) who wrote Kosmos, a massive five-volume study which attempted to unify the various branches of man's knowledge. ALS in French, signed “A. Humboldt,” one page both sides, 5.25 x 8.25, postmarked October 18, 1838. Letter to his colleague LouisFreycinet, a French navigator who in 1811 published the first full outline of the coast of Australia. In full (translated): "As I am prevented by the departure of a diplomatic courier to see you tomorrow I am unable to congratulate you on your happy return and to renew the homage of my old and affectionate devotion to you. I hasten to be imprudent and indiscreet and already ask you a favor. I would like your help to nominate to the institute my friend and collaborator Mr. Valenciennes who is professor in the Jardin des Plantes and associated with Mr. Cuvier in the great and classic work on fish, of which the 13th volume is now published. I would be happy to know that you have no previous engagements and that you may work with me toward this nomination. I beg you my dear and respectable friend not to answer me back on this subject. I just need to have mentioned this candidly and express my wishes. You are able to judge better than anyone the merits of the candidates but I hope your friendship with me will weigh on the balance. Mr. Milne-Edwards, the other competitor, is also a very distinguished scientist and also highly esteemed. Please accept the expression of my highest affectionate consideration and my gratitude that dates far back." Addressed on the reverse of the second integral page in Humboldt's hand. In fine condition, with writing showing through from opposing sides.
In this remarkable letter evoking the atmosphere of the French Academy of Sciences in the 1830s, Humboldt advocates for the election of his friend Achille Valenciennes, a protege of Georges Cuvier who worked on the 22-volume Histoire naturelle des poissons [Natural History of Fish]. Cuvier had assigned Valenciennes the task of classifying animals described by Humboldt on his famous journey to Latin America at the turn of the century, which began their lifelong friendship. Although Henri Milne-Edwards, himself an eminent zoologist, was elected to the seat in 1838, Valenciennes—with Humboldt again acting as a patron—joined the Academy in 1844. An extraordinary letter boasting a wealth of significant scientific associations.
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