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Lot #484
William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin Autograph Letter Signed

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Estimate: $500+
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Description

British mathematical physicist and engineer (1824-1907) who, as the Professor of Natural Philosophy at the University of Glasgow for 53 years, did important work in the mathematical analysis of electricity and formulation of the first and second laws of thermodynamics, and did much to unify the emerging discipline of physics in its modern form. He received the Royal Society's Copley Medal in 1883, was its President between 1890-1895, and in 1892 was the first British scientist to be elevated to the House of Lords. ALS signed “William Thomson,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7, 12 Grosvenor Gardens letterhead, June 18, 1888. Letter to Professor Bertrand, in part: "I hear from Lieut. Collet that he is candidate for a post of 'Repetiteur Titulaire d'Astronomie et de Geodesie' vacant, or about to become vacant, in the Ecole Polytechnique; and I hope you will kindly excuse my writing you a few lines in support of his candidature, though I can quite understand that you may feel it needs no support from 'foreign parts.' His books on the Compass and on the theory and practice of its correction in iron ships, show that he possesses the mathematical knowledge which is the essential foundation of intelligence in astronomy and geodesy. But they prove more:—they prove that he has a remarkable tact and skill in applying scientific principles to practical work which would, I feel sure, make his teaching very useful to his pupils in the Ecole Polytechnique." In fine condition.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts, Ft. Revolutionary War
  • Dates: #612 - Ended July 14, 2021





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