Scottish nobleman, soldier, politician, and diplomat (1766-1841) known for his controversial acquisition of marble sculptures (commonly known as the 'Elgin Marbles') from the Parthenon in Athens; still housed in the British Museum, their rightful ownership remains a highly contested question of international art law and policy to this day. ALS signed “Elgin,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7.25, May 13, 1827. Handwritten letter to "Lord Carrington," recommending Dr. Augustus Granville. In part: "I am very anxious to introduce Dr. Granville to the honor of your Lordship's acquaintance & countenance. I have known him several years under circumstances highly creditable to himself. He had been a surgeon in our navy, when Mr. Hamilton, Undersec'y of State formed an intimacy with him, & has placed his sons, under Dr. G's tuition. He has now however determined on prosecuting his profession…He is at Paris, for the purpose of study in that department. Beside great professional acquirements, he thinks high as a scientific man…So grave a character as I have described might be alarming, were I not to add, that he is a very amiable man in society, with great taste in musick." In fine condition, with a rusty circular paperclip impression to the top. Granville, who was part of Lord Elgin’s party in Constantinople, is credited with carrying out the first medical autopsy on an Ancient Egyptian Mummy which he described to the Royal Society of London in 1825.
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