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English theologian, philosopher, and scientist who is credited with the discovery of oxygen (1733–1804). Partial ALS signed “J. Priestley,” one page, 7.75 x 4, no date. Closing portion of a handwritten letter to an unknown recipient, ostensibly British physicist John Canton, in part: “As you like your pennywork, I send you another, either more for the money. A third will follow, when I have time to write it, and then this little scheme will be completed. I have many more theological affairs on the anvil. These are my favorite studies, but I cannot live by them. However, I am afraid my philosophical…will not be much more gainful. The work…really almost brought me to the last farthing, and I see no prospect of a suitable return.” The reverse bears a florid salutation addressed to “Mr. J. Canton.” In very good to fine condition, with trimmed edges, and restored paper loss to the bottom edge, which affects several words of text.
From the personal collection of a lifelong collector, teacher, and traveler with a passion for world history. His collecting years ranged from the 1970s to the present day, meaning that several of the premier pieces have not been on the market in decades.
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