Description
Autograph letter signed, one page - also addressed to the reverse of the conjoined sheet, 4,5 x 6,5 inch, [probably Paris, "ce mardi"], in French, to Marguerite Madeleine Gautier (1767-1838, daughter of Etienne Gabriel Delessert and sister of Benjamin Delesser) - concerning an invitation, Joseph Louis Gay-Lussac*, and the prophecy of a psalm**, written and signed in dark ink "Humboldt", attractively mounted (removable) for fine display with a picture of Alexander von Humboldt (altogether 11,75 x 8,25 inch), with letter folds, and a small tear due to broken seal - in fine condition.
"J`accepte, Madame, avec la plus vive reconnoissance Votre aimable invitation pour Vendredy. J’attends vos ordres pour les transmettre à mon ami, Mr Gay Lussac2. Il seroit tout à fait superflu que vous lui écriviez. Il suffit que je lui dise que vous désirez le voir ce jour là. Je lui en avois parlé d’avance et peutêtre aurois-je dû attendre. La prédiction du beau pseaume a été accomplie et `la main forte et puissante` 3 a été, comme toujours, une main favorable et bienfaisante. Il paroit que le sang n’a pas été répandu.
Agréez, je Vous supplie l’hommage de mon respectueux dévouement.
ce mardi - Humboldt."
Translated:
"I accept, Madam, with the deepest gratitude your kind invitation for Friday. I await your instructions to convey them to my friend, Mr. Gay-Lussac. It would be entirely superfluous for you to write to him. It suffices that I tell him you wish to see him that day. I had spoken to him about it beforehand, and perhaps I should have waited. The prophecy of the beautiful psalm has been fulfilled, and the strong and mighty hand has been, as always, a favorable and benevolent one. It appears that no blood has been shed.
Please accept, I beseech you, the homage of my respectful devotion.
This Tuesday - Humboldt."
* The chemist and physicist Louis Joseph Gay-Lussac (1778-1850), who worked around 1805 with Humboldt on the expansion of gases and magnetism. The Gay-Lussac / Humboldt Prize was created in 1981 by the French and German governments to reward five very high-level scientists of one or the other nationality each year.
** Psaume 89 : 13 : "Ton bras est puissant, Ta main forte, Ta droite élevée."
Plus d'informations sur la personne
Profession:
(1769-1859) Prussian geographer, naturalist and explorer - Humboldt`s quantitative work on botanical geography laid the foundation for the field of biogeography.
Year of Birth: 1769
Alexander von Humboldt was a German naturalist and explorer born on September 14, 1769, in Berlin. He is known for his groundbreaking research and discoveries in the fields of geography, geology, and botany.
After studying at the University of Göttingen, Humboldt embarked on a series of expeditions to South America and Mexico, where he explored and documented the flora, fauna, and geological formations of the regions.
His most famous work, "Cosmos: A Sketch of a Physical Description of the Universe," was published between 1845 and 1862 and is considered one of the foundational texts of modern geography and ecology.
Throughout his life, Humboldt championed the idea of a holistic approach to scientific inquiry, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all natural phenomena. His work laid the groundwork for modern environmentalism and conservation efforts.
He also had a significant impact on the scientific community of his time, influencing the work of Charles Darwin, George Perkins Marsh, and other prominent naturalists.
Alexander von Humboldt passed away on May 6, 1859, leaving behind a legacy of scientific curiosity, exploration, and environmental stewardship that continues to inspire researchers and conservationists around the world.
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