Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Lot #186
Michael Faraday

"I was enabled to freeze mercury in the red hot crucible"

This lot has closed

Estimate: $3500+
Sell a Similar Item?
Refer Collections and Get Paid
Share:  

Description

"I was enabled to freeze mercury in the red hot crucible"

British physicist and chemist (1791-1867) best known for his development of the first dynamo and the discovery of electromagnetic induction. ALS signed “M. Faraday,” one page both sides, 7.75 x 10, December 28, 1846. Letter to French chemist Pierre Hippolyte Boutigy in Paris, in part: "I always think of you and your experiments with great interest. Last June at the close of our Friday Evening meetings I gave our members an experimental illustration of your beautiful subject & showed them some of the results which you showed me. I added one which I do not see in your book though it comes near that made by M. Dumas & described p. 102; by virtue of your spheroidal state I was enabled to freeze mercury in the red hot crucible with the utmost facility. First the crucible was made…red hot. Then some ether introduced, then solid carbonic acid, and lastly, a metallic capsule holding about an ounce of mercury was dipped into the spheroidal mixture until the mercury was frozen which happened in two or three seconds. It seemed very strange to dip the liquid mercury into the red hot crucible and bring it out frozen. I am not in good condition being under the Surgeon's hands for an affection of the knee. This limited every occupation even writing." Addressed on the integral leaf in Faraday's hand. In fine condition, with a couple of light stains. Desirable scientific content in an unusually long letter by one of the great scientists of the 19th century.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: August
  • Dates: #533 - Ended August 08, 2018





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $75.00

*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.