German mathematician and physical scientist (1777-1855) who contributed significantly to many fields, including geometry and astronomy; he is often referred to as the 'prince of mathematicians' or 'the greatest mathematician since antiquity.' Remarkable pairing of two long, unpublished letters from the year 1838, addressed to the Berlin physicist and geologist Georg Adolf Erman (1806–1877). Erman had returned in 1830 from a multi-year world expedition and was in the process of publishing his research findings in the multi-volume 'Reise um die Welt durch Nordasien und die beiden Oceane [Journey Around the World Through North Asia and the Two Oceans].' Gauss was able to build upon Erman’s empirical observations of the Earth’s magnetic field with his theoretical work. Includes:
ALS in German, signed "C. F. Gauss," one page both sides, 8.25 x 10.5, November 3, 1838. In part (translated): "The magnetic observations Your Honor made on your journey around the world are of such interest to any friend of this branch of natural science that I have eagerly awaited the publication of the second part of your work but, unfortunately, in vain thus far. You fully disclosed the declinations in the first part of your work; I recently learned about the (complete) intensities from Sabine’s recently published report (Report on the Variations of the Magnetic Intensity, London, 1838). However, the inclinations are still missing. Some were mentioned in Poggendorff’s Annalen (1829, vol. 2 and 3), but I am uncertain about the reliability of these reports, especially as the declinations in these earlier accounts differ significantly from the later ones in your work. Furthermore, a part of your journey remains unaccounted for, so, for instance, I have not been able to find your inclination for Sitka anywhere. For theoretical purposes, one cannot make use of the so-called total intensity at all; instead, one must first derive the horizontal intensity from it. I had already mentioned this in an earlier letter to you and have expressed it on several other occasions, unfortunately without seeing my wish fulfilled."
ALS in German, signed "C. F. Gauss," one page both sides, 8.25 x 10.5, December 22, 1838. In part (translated): "I am deeply indebted to you for your kind willingness to fulfill my request, and I express my heartfelt thanks for the communications you have already provided. While I eagerly anticipate the forthcoming completion of your reports, I hope that this will not cause you any inconvenience and that you will proceed entirely at your own convenience. If I may express my primary interest, it lies first and foremost in observations from locations where all three magnetic elements have been fully determined. The Royal Society in London has petitioned the British government to establish magnetic stations on St. Helena, the Cape, Ceylon, Van Diemen’s Land [now Tasmania], and in Canada, and to organize a dedicated expedition to carry out magnetic observations at the highest attainable southern latitudes. These are promising prospects, and in a few years, our knowledge in this field will likely be greatly enriched."
In overall fine condition, with minor seal-related paper loss to each address leaf. These rare letters highlight the scientific exchange and the international efforts to expand the understanding of the Earth’s magnetic field during the 19th century.
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