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RR Auction: Fine Autographs and Artifacts

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Lot 223 - Edith Cavell Hand-Annotated and Initialed Nurse's Notebook - British nurse (1865-1915) celebrated for treating wounded soldiers of both sides during World War II, and for helping some 200 Allied soldiers escape from German-occupied Belgium; in 1915, Cavell was arrested, court-martialled under German military law, and sentenced to death by firing squad. Bound exercise book of probationary nurse "Sawyer," approximately 72 pages, 6.5 x 8, covering five lectures given by Edith Cavell on the basics of nursing, given in 1905 and 1906, beginning with "Qualifications of a Nurse" and ending with "Nursing of Sick Children." The notebook has been extensively annotated in red ink by Edith Cavell, who pens about 65 corrections, 50 notes (ranging from a single word to a short paragraph), and writes her initials twice, "E. C." Cavell's careful notations range from grammatical correction and instruction ("Use capitals only for the beginning of sentences & proper names") to corrections to medical terms (for example, substituting "bacilli" for "Ballicus"). She also offers clarification on some methods of treatment: Cavell writes, "Rinse the charcoal with the meal & sprinkle a little over the top when finished," in the discussion of a charcoal poultice, and points out: "Laudanum and opium are the same drug." Three medical charts are folded and loosely laid in to the front. In very good to fine condition, with the last few pages loose (but present) due to some damage to the spine, and a few sections of pages clipped out. This notebook dates from the period when Cavell was engaged in poor law nursing in Highgate or Shoreditch, prior to her appointment as first matron of Dr. Antoine Depage's Berkendael Medical Institute in Brussels, which was to become the Red Cross Hospital in 1914. In correcting the work of a semi-literate nursing probationer, Cavell's many corrections and annotations demonstrate not only her clear and analytical perception of a nurse's duties, but her painstaking attention to detail in the training of younger nurses.

Estim. 4 000 - 6 000 USD

Lot 225 - Malcolm X Hand-Corrected and Multi-Signed Draft for Alex Haley’s 1963 Playboy Interview - Signed “Malcolm X” Three Times and “MX” Five Times - Alex Haley's early original typed manuscript for his 1963 Playboy Magazine interview with Malcolm X, 45 pages (numbered to "Page 40," with several numbers duplicated), 8.5 x 11, circa January-February 1963, hand-corrected throughout in blue ballpoint by Malcolm X, with corrections in other hands in ballpoint and pencil. Malcolm X signs in full at the bottom of three different pages, "Malcom X," indicating his approval of the content, and also signs his initials in the margins, "MX," five times. Malcolm X's own revisions offer tremendous insight into his views of himself, his movement, and Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad. In one instance, he adds "for our people" to the end of the sentence: "Mr. Muhammad is reaching that until we have some land of our own, we can never bring freedom, justice and equality into existence for our people." In another—"The white man knows that separated black men will grow independent"—he changes the typed word "freed" to "separated," emphasizing the separatist nature of the movement. He also changes "him" to "the white man" in the following line, "Mr. Muhammad teaches that as soon as we separate from the white man, we will learn that we can do without the white man just as he can do without us." Referring to Elijah Muhammad, he modifies "the Prophet" to be "Messenger" or "Man of God" on multiple occasions, and adds some clarifying remarks to his commentary on Elijah Muhammad. Further, he writes out a line about his early views of white people—"I thought they were gods and goddesses"—and adds a note to a passage about his conversion, writing: "after becoming a Muslim." In overall fine condition. Accompanied by the original May 1963 issue of Playboy in which the interview appeared, worn at the spine. Playboy's May 1963 interview with Malcolm X was one of the most famous of Haley’s career and gave most readers their first in-depth look at Malcolm X’s teachings and personality. Supporters and critics viewed the Muslim minister in very different terms. Admirers saw him as a courageous advocate for the rights of African-Americans and condemned crimes against black Americans; detractors accused him of preaching racism, black supremacy, and violence. Nevertheless, he has been described as one of the greatest and most influential African-American leaders in history. Within a year of granting this interview, with America still gripped by ever-growing racial tension, the once-combative black nationalist Malcolm X had repudiated almost every stance published. He had broken with the Nation of Islam movement, fallen out with its leader, Elijah Muhammad, renounced black supremacy, and embraced racial equality and human rights. He was assassinated in Harlem in 1965.

Estim. 20 000 - 30 000 USD

Lot 232 - Alexander Graham Bell Signed Check, Handwritten Notebook, and Ephemera - Unique lot of Alexander Graham Bell ephemera and autographs, highlighted by Bell's handwritten pocket notebook, 2.25 x 3.75, circa 1904-1906, in which Bell had jotted hundreds of words in pencil, with various notes, memoranda, statistics, and a few sketches. In one instance, he writes out the text of a condolence telegram, including his signature, "Graham Bell," in part: "I feel so thankful to have my father with me that I can sympathize sincerely with you in your loss." He also records the New York City address of sculptor Gutzon Borglum, and writes out things relating to his personal life and scientific experimentation, such as, "steam turbine," "Aeroclub," "Bullfight at St. Louis," "Smithson Monument," "Chickens for grubs," "Shallow draft propulsion," "Photo-telephoning," "suicide by gold leaf," "what is the flying weight of a dandelion seed?," "caisson disease—effervescence of blood," mathematical notations, and many more. The miniature notebook offers fascinating insight into one of the great minds of the late 19th and early 20th century. Additionally includes: a Bank of Nova Scotia check, 7.75 x 3.5, filled out in another hand and boldly signed in full by Bell, "Alexander Graham Bell," payable to L. McFadyen for $61.67; one of Bell's personal visiting card, 3.25 x 1.5, elegantly engraved with her name in a simple, cursive script: "Mr. Alexander Graham Bell"; and an engraved poem for the 1894 'Golden Wedding' of his parents, Alexander Melville Bell and Eliza Symonds, imprinted on a gilt-edged 4.5 x 6.75 card. In overall very good to fine condition, with staining to the check, not affecting its bold signature.

Estim. 3 000 - 4 000 USD

Lot 233 - Alexander Graham Bell Autograph Letter Signed on Teaching Speech to the Deaf - ALS signed “A. Graham Bell,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8, June 24, 1873. Handwritten letter to "Mrs. Sanders," reporting on the progress of her son, "George" whom he is instructing at his school for the deaf. In part: "Dear little Georgie progresses so beautifully with his Articulation that I cannot help writing to let you participate in my delight. We have just overcome a great difficulty in the thorough mastery of the vowel etc. This sound, besides giving him the power of pronouncing an immense variety of words, is the key to all the other vowel sounds. We have striven hard, for over a month to perfect it and it is now so thoroughly mastered, that Georgie pronounced perfectly naturally this morning a number of words like the following 'pea, bee, me, see, speak, beef, feet, &c &c.' He also articulated for the first time to day the word 'I.' The letter S is now done so well that the difficult double consonants ps, ts, fs, th, sp, st, sf, sth, are done easily. Indeed George's whole progress is most encouraging. In regard to his mental development you can see for yourself what an immense stride forward he has taken. There is certainly not a deaf child in America who can show such wonderful progress in such a short length of time. I am perfectly delighted with him. I see a great deal more of him now than I have ever done before as I have relinquished all my private pupils so as to have my afternoons and evenings free." In fine condition. In 1867, Alexander Graham Bell became an assistant to his father, Alexander Melville Bell, who had invented the phonetic 'visible speech' system for teaching the deaf. In 1871, Bell began teaching his father's system upon his arrival in Boston in April 1871, and by the spring of 1872, he was providing the same training to teachers at the Clarke School for the Deaf in Northampton, Mass., and the American Asylum for the Deaf in Hartford, Conn. In 1874, Bell began printing the ‘Visible Speech Pioneer,’ a periodic publication that provided helpful information to various institutes for the deaf. He would also serve as professor of vocal physiology and elocution at Boston University during the 1870s.

Estim. 2 000 - 4 000 USD

Lot 236 - Thomas Edison Handwritten Manuscript on X-Ray Experiments with Sketch of "the first Roentgen Ray lamp in the world" - Handwritten manuscript on X-ray experiments by Thomas A. Edison, accomplished in pencil in his unmistakable hand and incorporating his surname twice, totaling eight pages plus a hand-drawn diagram and an original photograph, 6 x 9, circa 1896. Edison drafts a contribution to an article that would appear in the May 1896 issue of The Century Magazine, entitled 'Photographing the Unseen: A Symposium on the Roentgen Rays.' Edison begins by outlining the purpose of his work: "[E]dison's experiments with the Roentgen Ray have been almost entirely devoted to understanding the phenomenon with a view of obtaining the most practicable and powerful form of apparatus—especially the fluorescent lamp—the photographic plates and the best form of electric oscillation to energize the lamp. Having all the appliances for working with Incandescent lamp vacuo he has been enabled to try a large number of experiments with the end in view. He has not as yet attempted to take pictures [o]ther than a standard figure [o]f a number of bars of metal...[H]e is now fitting up a [c]omplete apparatus and [e]xpects soon to conduct a number of accurate experiments in the photography of animals & inanimate objects, from the rough experiments recorded in Edison's note book I 'brief' the following." The next five pages record his observations of these experiments, in part: "1st. The ray proceeds from all parts of the glass illuminated by fluorescence. 2nd. With same degree of fluorescence it is independent of the size or position of electrodes. 3d. Under same conditions as to distance of lamps from plate the distortion increases with increase in size of lamp bulb. 4th. Records taken every 3 inches up to 36 inches show that the photographic effect of the ray diminishes at the square of the distance as stated by Roentgen—5th. Commercial dry plates vary much in their sensitiveness to the ray—the most rapid plates for light are the slowest for the ray. 6th. As near as can be ascertained at present the power of the ray to photograph varies as to the square of the illuminating power of the fluorescence. 7th. The phosphoresce of the lamp after current is stopped does not photograph—powerful after phosphoresce of a lamp is no indication of its value for photographic work." He concludes by noting: "A good lamp should give [a] clear photograph of thin metallic strips through 8 inches of Georgia pine in 15 minutes." Additionally includes Edison's hand-drawn diagram of the lamp, accomplished on the reverse of a color illustration of New York, captioned in pencil in another hand: "Sketch of the first Roentgen Ray lamp in the world. Drawn by Edison's own hand at his laboratory for George H. Guy." The sketch closely corresponds with the official diagram that Edison submitted for his 'Fluorescent Electric Lamp' patent, filed May 19, 1896. Guy's New York address is stamped in the upper right corner; Guy was manager of the Bureau of Scientific and Electrical Information, and a technical newspaper columnist/editor for several notable newspapers of the day, including the New York Times. Also accompanying is a rare contemporary 6 x 8.5 mounted albumen portrait of Edison, captioned on the mount in pencil: "Edison under his Fluorescent Lamp, May 29/96." Browned, brittle, and in good to very good condition, with varying degrees of chipping, splitting, tears, and losses affecting some of Edison's writing; the original photograph is heavily worn, with splits to the mount repaired on the reverse with tape. Accompanied by a photocopy of the piece as it appeared in The Century Magazine. German engineer and physicist Wilhelm Röntgen discovered X-rays in 1895, and scientists and inventors around the world clamored to investigate the newfound phenomenon. Edison was principal among them, and—as he notes here, already having developed apparatus for testing the electric incandescent light—made fast progress. He quickly developed a fluorescent lamp which used X-rays, or "Roentgen Rays," to excite the phosphor, which he used to conduct experiments in X-ray imaging. He soon set to work on an early fluoroscope, but abandoned the project upon realizing the dangers of radiation: Edison nearly lost his sight, and his laboratory assistant Clarence Dally became an early victim of radiation dermatitis and subsequent medical complications, eventually losing his left arm and right hand due to radiation exposure, and dying of mediastinal cancer. These unfortunate events led Edison to famously announce: 'Don't talk to me about X-rays; I am afraid of them.'

Estim. 25 000 - 50 000 USD

Lot 239 - Albert Einstein Collection of (5) Typed Letters Signed, Dating to His Arrival in Princeton After His Self-Exile from Nazi Germany - Collection of five TLSs in German from Albert Einstein, each signed “A. Einstein,” all one page, 8 x 10 and 8.5 x 11, dated between November 1933 and January 1936, four directed to Theodore F. Menzel and another serving as a letter of recommendation for Menzel, a German national and American resident who initiated a correspondence with the theoretical physicist in late November 1933. In his first letter, he expresses to Einstein his sympathy and shame with how the new German government mistreated him, and implores him “not to blame the misled German people.” Einstein’s first reply from November 24, 1933, dates to a little over a month after he and his wife, Elsa, left Europe and emigrated to America where Einstein would assume a position at the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) in Princeton, New Jersey. The letter, typed on IAS (School of Mathematics) letterhead, reads (translated): “Your noble and refined words have given me unusual pleasure. You are entirely correct that the people in Germany are not as bad as the behavior of the state and of the leading voices makes it appear. However, there is a great danger that the better elements will be destroyed, suppressed, or even corrupted. For the time being, we may still hope that at least a part of the world remains protected from such a downfall.” The remaining four Einstein letters are accompanied by six additional letters from Menzel, one of which is addressed to Elsa Einstein on December 8, 1933, thanking her for her warm message concerning his first sent missive. Elsa’s letter is included and reads: “It truly does one good to encounter people who declare the kind of convictions that you do. God knows, such experiences are very rare. With these lines I wish only to say that I was also deeply impressed by what you indicated in your letter.” The next Einstein letter, dated July 23, 1934, replies to Menzel’s polite request to visit the Einsteins at their summer home in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, from where Einstein sent this letter. Menzel, himself a scientist of some ilk, sought to pose to Einstein technical questions related to the former’s research in the high deserts of Death Valley. Einstein’s brief response: “It may well be quite inconvenient for you to visit me here in Watch Hill. I will be happy to also answer your questions in writing, as far as I can.” Menzel responded two days later, affirming that an in-person meeting would be ideal, as it would save Einstein “the effort of a time-consuming written exchange of views.” Einstein’s response on July 27th: “Your letter indicates that you prefer to pose your questions to me orally. This can certainly be done some morning by prior arrangement. P.S. My wife is in Europe.” Menzel’s final two letters to Einstein regard his plans to visit him at Watch Hill on August 29th. It remains unknown if Menzel made the trip, as the last two letters from Einstein, both on his embossed personal letterhead and dated January 6, 1936, relate to Einstein’s acquiescence to write a letter of recommendation for Menzel. The first letter to Menzel: “I remember our conversation very well and am happy to recommend you. In view of my isolated situation, however, I am not in a position to identify the individuals whom you might approach. For this reason, I am sending you the enclosed recommendation written in general terms.” Einstein’s enclosed recommendation letter, which he signs at the conclusion, reads: “I have had the opportunity on multiple occasions to converse with Mr. Theodor Menzel about certain observations that he has made in recent years. On these occasions, I have seen that he is a cultured, capable, and intelligent man. He will certainly show himself to be useful and reliable in a business career, as Mr. Menzel's references' also demonstrate. I would be greatly pleased if Mr. Menzel were to find employment matching his capabilities.” In overall very good to fine condition, with soiling, toning, and file holes, none of which affects any of Einstein's signatures. Accompanied by English translations for each letter. A fascinating assortment of letters from Einstein and his wife that date to their new life abroad. Einstein, like so many Jewish academics of his time, was forced into exile in 1933 due to anti-Semitic persecution in Nazi Germany and the ascent of Adolf Hitler as the country’s new chancellor. After applying for release from his Prussian (German) citizenship, Einstein spent time in eastern England before immigrating to the U.S. and joining the esteemed ranks of the Institute for Advanced Study. He remained in Princeton for the rest of his life, becoming the symbol and leader of his cohort of refugee scholars.

Estim. 20 000 - 30 000 USD

Lot 240 - Albert Einstein Typed Letter Signed, Explaining Special Relativity - TLS in German, signed “A. Einstein,” one page both sides, 8.75 x 11, personal letterhead, August 8, 1931. Letter to physics student M. Frenkel in Vienna, offering a proof that Relativity does not hold if the speed of light is not constant. In part (translated): "My situation with regards to your work is such that I can't see the forest for all the trees, that is, I don't know what you are actually trying to prove...The theory usually called Special Theory of Relativity contains two assumptions: 1.) The principle of Special Relativity (R) 2.) The independence of one speed c from the relative system. (L[...]) (That this is the speed of light does not enter into the derivations of the results (e.g. the Lorenz-Transformation). You seem to believe now that Ritz's law of the dispersion of light, that is, the hypothesis that the dispersion velocity of light is equal to c+v (c being a constant, v the velocity of the emitting body) can be consolidated with the Lorenz-Transformation. This, however, is a misconception. Proof: Let a light be sent from a body resting opposite to K, from the point of origin in the direction of a positive x-axis. By applying Ritz's hypothesis twice, we get the propagation-equation opposite to K': x'=ct' opposite to K: x= (c+v)t Both these equations are supposed to present the same occurrence, that is xt and x't' are supposed to be connected by the Lorenz-Transformation. That is not the case, because x2-c2t2 =x'2-c2t'2 is not valid. Thus, if I have understood you correctly, you are mistaken. Should you, however, mean to express something else, then you need to state that briefly and clearly." In very good condition, with heavy intersecting folds, and small areas of paper loss, repaired and reinforced by complete silking to the front. Einstein's theories created controversies for many years and in all levels of scholarship. The speed of a ball thrown at a velocity of 40 miles per hour, thrown forward from a train going 30 miles per hour, actually travels at 70 miles per hour with respect to someone standing on the station platform. Einstein's basic assumption is that the speed of light emitted from a flashlight on that train does not add on the 30 miles per hour of the train. Not all scientists agreed with him. Ritz's theory, developed by Swiss physicist Walther Ritz, insists among other things that the light does travel 30 miles faster from that train. Here, a student insists that Relativity still holds true, even under Ritz's theory. Einstein attempts to show his correspondent that he is in error. In offering his proof, Einstein hand-writes portions of the formulas "x'=ct'," expressing the distance traveled by light in t' seconds, and "x=(c+v)t" expressing the distance traveled by light in t seconds from a train going v miles per hour, as proposed and seen by Ritz standing on the platform. He also pens "x2-c2t2 =x'2-c2t'2" in his closing lines. A superb and thoughtful piece of instructive correspondence from Albert Einstein, who revolutionized modern physics through the theories of special and general relativity.

Estim. 20 000 - 30 000 USD

Lot 242 - Samuel F. B. Morse Autograph Letter Signed, Commenting on the 1864 Election: "If Lincoln is reelected, I shall despair" - American artist and inventor (1791-1872) whose development of the telegraph revolutionized worldwide communication. ALS signed “Sam'l F. B. Morse,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, September 9, 1864. Handwritten letter to William Stickney, a co-founder of the Columbia Institution for the Deaf (now Gallaudet University). In part: "In reply to yours of the 7th just received, I would say that I am less in the way of knowing who among the various artists to recommend to you, than you suppose. I have been for so long a period separated from Art, that I have not been well posted in the abilities of a new generation of artists who have arisen around me, and more than made good the generation whom they succeed. Huntington, my former pupil and now the Prest. of the Academy, is an excellent painter, who would execute such a portrait well, if his engagements will allow him to undertake it. H. P. Gray is another. Baker is the best portrait painter of the males that I know in the country, but I fear he has too many commissions already, to allow him to undertake it. I commissioned him to paint my daughter nearly two years ago, but he has not yet commenced her portrait. There are others I have no doubt who would do such a commission justice, but without special inquiry which I will make for you when I go to New York, I am at present unable to direct you to any but those I have mentioned. Congratulate for me, Mr. Kendall, on the Chicago nominations. Under the circumstances of the country, none better could have been made. If McClellan & Pendleton are the successful candidates at the November election, I shall have hope of the country. If Lincoln is reelected, I shall despair." In fine condition. An interesting letter in which Morse acknowledges his 'past life' as a successful painter, renowned for portraits of the likes of John Adams, James Monroe, and the Marquis de Lafayette. Here, he recommends three artists for a potential commission: Daniel Huntington and Henry Peters Gray, both of whom had studied under Morse; and George Baker, an excellent portrait painter and popular miniaturist. He also opines on the forthcoming election, which saw the incumbent President Lincoln square off against the Democratic ticket of George B. McLellan and George H. Pendleton. In spite of his anti-Lincoln, pro-slavery views, Morse's invention—the telegraph—revolutionized military communication in the United States and played a leading role in the Union Army's organization and success in the Civil War.

Estim. 4 000 - 6 000 USD

Lot 244 - Louis Pasteur Handwritten Manuscript on Rabies Experiments with Dogs - Significant handwritten manuscript in French by Louis Pasteur, unsigned, one page both sides, 6.25 x 8.25, Arbois, October 1884. Remarkable manuscript penned during his rabies research, dating to eight months before the first successful human vaccination. Headed, "Do dogs exist (as a race or individually) that are naturally immune to rabies?," the manuscript reads (translated): "I have often read that rabies does not exist in Constantinople. However, several people I have consulted, most notably Dr. Fauvel, who have lived there for a long time, confirmed to me that they have definitely seen rabid dogs and people with rabies who have been bitten by those dogs in Constantinople. Although it is very rare, you can live a long time in Turkey without ever having seen a rabid dog or even heard of its existence. It is understandable how the rumor was spread that rabid dogs do not exist. Nobody denies the existence of rabies in either Africa or Egypt. In 1884, I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Sergent, a French public health doctor who has been living in Beirut for the past 27 years. He assured me that he had never seen a single case of rabies, either in dogs or in humans. These facts force me to ask the question which is the subject of this note. To resolve these queries experimentally, I asked Doctor Sergent to kindly send me some dogs from Beirut so that I could once and for all prove their immunity against rabies. On July 19, 1884, I received four dogs native to Beirut that Dr. Sergent generously sent me. On July 21, after having assured myself that three of them were healthy, lively and gay and had not suffered from the voyage, (Note: The 4th one was not eating and did not survive), I inoculated one of them by the method of trepanation with the medulla from the rabid dog which had died that morning after having been bitten on June 26, while in the care of Mr. Paul Simon, veterinarian in Paris. At the same time, we trepanned and inoculated a rabbit with the same brain matter from the dead dog to verify its potency. On July 30, the dog which had been trepanned began to change its behavior. He seemed agitated. It was the ninth day after inoculation. On July 31, the dog begins to bite and has a rabies like bark. His back legs are paralyzed. On August 1, he becomes more and more enraged and is biting more. On August 4, after having been madly enraged and furiously biting with a rabid bark, the dog from Beirut demonstrates a distinctly rabid behavior, the mouth hanging open and barely barking. On August 5, he is clearly dying. On August 6, we find him dead in the morning. As of August 4, the rabbit which had been operated on by the method of trepanning on July 21, began to show that it was infected with rabies as it exhibited the beginning of paralysis. It was 14 days after being inoculated, which is the typical amount of incubation time for rabies in street dogs, when rabbits are infected by dogs. Although it was obvious that the dog from Beirut died of rabies, we wanted to verify the existence of the disease by transmitting it to rabbits; inoculated by trepanning, the rabbits manifest a rabid paralysis after 16-18 days of incubation. Other healthy rabbits, inoculated by trepanation from the first one that died, suffered from rabid paralysis, one of them after 10 days and the other after 18 days of incubation. To summarize, the dogs from Beirut responded in the exact same manner as the dogs from France. If rabies has never been observed in Beirut by Dr. Sergent, and if it does not seem to exist in Syria, it is because no one has ever brought it there. The dogs of these countries are ostensibly as susceptible as ours. So, our answer to the initial question we asked is NO. We have here a strong argument in favor of the opinion that rabies is never spontaneous. Finally, I must say that it was easy to immunize the two dogs who arrived from Beirut by preventive inoculations with the virus from the one to which I had transmitted rabies. These two dogs which were immunized can tolerate today as many consecutive injections of the rabies virus as we want without the slightest effect." In fine condition. Having witnessed a horrifying outbreak of rabies in his youth, Pasteur dedicated much of the 1880s to developing a vaccine for the deadly disease. Little was known of the disease into the 1870s: it was still widely thought that it arose spontaneously out of anger or agitation. It was also accepted as common knowledge that rabies did not exist the East, where dogs were free to roam the street: ''Constantinople and Africa are rabies-free' was the oft repeated refrain, and Eastern freedom was contrasted with Western repression, with Paris, where rabies found its refuge,' ('La Rage and the Bourgeoisie: The Cultural Context of Rabies in the French Nineteenth Century' by Kathleen Kete). This significant manuscript outlines Pasteur's efforts to disprove the theory of 'spontaneous rabies,' as well as the idea

Estim. 15 000 - 20 000 USD

Lot 249 - Sigmund Freud Autograph Letter Signed: "I am a pacifist" - Significant ALS in German, signed “Freud,” one page both sides, 5.5 x 9, personal letterhead, December 15, 1931. Handwritten letter to architect and author Roderick Seidenberg, in full (translated): "You have judged correctly on which side my sympathies lie. I am a pacifist and opposed to the use of violence in human affairs. But I fear I should be unable to establish my personal attitude publicly. My rather pessimistic judgment of human nature leads me to doubt whether anything can be accomplished with the masses without force and coercion; in nature, aside from man, everything is based upon struggle and mutual extinction. I am aware of the ethical demands—or rather the disposition—that we humans should arrange matters differently. But how justify this? As I do not recognize morality as a divine inspiration but only as an evolutionary tendency, I do not see how I can advocate your stand at this stage of human culture. Wars, it is to be hoped, will probably disappear by themselves in the course of our cultural development toward a fuller mastery over nature. Whoever labors at the advancement of science and technology helps to bring that era nearer. For the present I expect nothing from pleas however well-intentioned and enthusiastic. I beg you therefore to excuse me from contributing to your proposed publication." In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Freud's hand. Housed in a handsome custom-made clamshell case with navy morocco spine. The German-born Roderick Seidenberg emigrated to New York as a young man, where he pursued a number of architectural pursuits: notably, he was responsible for the exterior of the Hotel New Yorker and the Garment Center Tower in NYC. His status as a conscientious objector during World War I led to his interment at Camp Upton in Long Island, and Forts Riley and Leavenworth in Kansas from 1918-1920. In the 1930s, he began contributing to various journals and would go on to publish some significant books: Posthistoric Man: An Inquiry (1950) and Anatomy of the Future (1961). In this case, it appears that Seidenberg had asked Freud for a literary contribution on pacifism—perhaps as part of a study or collection stemming from his own pacifist roots. In 1932, Freud would famously write to Albert Einstein on the subject, in a letter now published under the title 'Why War?' In it, Freud examines the psychical foundations of the human drive toward warfare and hopes that the 'progress of civilization' will turn all men pacifist—how long that will take, he observes, is unknown. A remarkable letter on an important 20th-century topic.

Estim. 20 000 - 30 000 USD

Lot 267 - Nathaniel Bowditch Autograph Letter Signed - American mathematician remembered as the founder of modern maritime navigation (1773-1838); his influential encyclopedia, The American Practical Navigator, became a standard handbook on oceanography and meteorology. ALS signed “N. Bowditch,” one page, 8 x 9.75, May 14, 1807. Handwritten letter to Peter Augustus Jay, son of statesman John Jay, regarding the settlement of a matter involving the family of noted reformer Rev. William E. Channing. In part: "I received your letter...stating the offer of Macomb to pay 6,500 & quit claim to him all the rights of W. Channing (Mr. & Mrs. Channing, & Miss. Gibbs)...I called upon the Rev. Mr. Channing to converse with him about it...He & Miss Gibbs (each of whom own ¼) feel inclined also to accept the proposal & authorize me to do it. Still I thought it would not be amiss for him to converse with you before the business is finished...If you could not wait till you should see Mr. Channing you may conclude the business without. The transfer of all the right of W. Channing & is to be made but expressing in the fullest terms that no recourse is to be had to me, to Mr. W. Channing or to [any] of the other parties interested (viz Rev. W. E. Channing & Lady, & Miss Sarah Gibbs). The anxiety to settle this does not come from the general feeling of wishing to settle the whole estate quickly, but it comes from the peculiar situation of this loan & the sadness of the parties concerned & in making it the family would confide much in your opinion." In fine condition. Accompanied by an engraved portrait of Bowditch.

Estim. 200 - 400 USD

Lot 275 - George Washington Carver Autograph Letter Signed on Religion and Agriculture - ALS signed “Geo. W. Carver,” one page both sides, 8.5 x 11, The Carver Products Company letterhead, December 28, 1924. Handwritten letter to Chas. F. White in New York City, in part: "Thank God for your beautiful letter...I have read and re-read it many times, and at each reading the tears would rush forward. Your letter makes me so happy, not for myself, but I felt that the cause of Jesus Christ had been assailed, I wondered really how far this ego in man had been carried and I also wondered if it was not gaining ground, which would ultimately mean death to Christianity. With but few exceptions the press has been very kind...The Criticism has brought out the fact that there are a great many real Christians in the world who believe the Bible and know that 'If in all our ways we acknowledge Him He will direct our paths. God has and is yet leading me so wonderfully. Orphaned, from a baby; rode on 1/2 fare ticket when nearly 19 years old; was nearly the same age before I could talk, never had a well moment, up to that time that I can remember. Then through God's divine providence He has permitted me to do what He has. In fact my friend this is God's work, that He has given me in trust to do. It is to be a contribution to education. I am only a trail blazer for those who are to come after me. Thank God many young people, both White and Colored are catching the spirit. The letters are coming in from North, South, East, and West, asking me to investigate some big problem for them. These range all the way from wheat, milk, beans, white potatoes, oranges, etc. etc. to the Alligator pear in Jamaica. What a field is opening up for the creative chemist who will attune himself with the great Creator and let Him reveal to him some of the things He has created." In fine condition. A wonderful, inspirational letter from the pioneering agricultural scientist.

Estim. 600 - 800 USD

Lot 277 - Salmon P. Chase Letter Signed as Treasury Secretary - Politician (1808-1873) who served as secretary of the treasury for the first three years of Abraham Lincoln's term, after which Lincoln appointed him chief justice of the Supreme Court. In that role Chase presided over the 1868 impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson. LS signed “S. P. Chase,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.75 x 9.75, Treasury Department letterhead, February 8, 1864. Letter to A. A. Low, President of the New York Chamber of Commerce, explaining that he has appointed a commission to revise outdated navigation, commerce, and customs collection laws, and inviting Low to designate one or more persons in the commercial sector to advise the commission with the revisions. In part: “My attention has been directed...to the state of the laws regulations and wages relating to the navigation and external commerce of the country and the collection of the revenue from customs, and I have become convinced that a system which was doubtless wisely adapted to the condition of the country and its commerce, at the time when it was first adapted in 1799, has...become inadequate...and regulations as well as reform in their administration has become necessary. With a view to these ends I have invited...in conjunction with the Solicitor of the Treasury...a commission to make a complete and thorough revision and codification of the navigation laws and the laws for the collection of the customs...it will be gratifying to me if you will designate one or more members of the Chamber of Commerce to confer with the Commission." In very good to fine condition, with some clear tape, and an area of paper loss, along the hinge.' Notwithstanding the vague rationales given by Chase in this letter for the necessity of revising the revenue and customs laws (e.g., increase in population and trade) the primary objective of the revisions were to raise money to cover the costs of the Civil War. The letter's recipient, Abiel A. Low, was a New York merchant engaged in the China trade and a builder of clipper ships designed by Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer, who discovered the Antarctic continent in 1820.

Estim. 400 - 600 USD

Lot 278 - Madame Chiang Kai-shek Typed Letter Signed on the New Life Movement - World War II-dated TLS signed “Mayling Soong Chiang,” one page, 7.5 x 10.75, Headquarters of the Generalissimo letterhead, January 18, 1940. Addressed from Chungking, Szechwan, a letter to Rev. George S. Bell, a Canadian missionary in China, in full: “I have just received your letter of January 4 as I have been away on an inspection trip. I have consulted Reverend Endicott regarding its contents because, while the New Life Movement would like to have Reverend Endicott remain with us, I did not know what his personal desires were. I have learned from him that he is perfectly willing to continue to assist us. Would it be possible, therefore, for your Mission to continue to allocate Reverend Endicott to us? I know that the English Department of the West China Union University is in need of his services. I venture to suggest, however, that as the New Life Movement has a wider scope, perhaps, than any one institution of learning, I believe that Reverend Endicott would find wider fields of activity for his talents in our work than in merely teaching English. For the past year Reverend Endicott has been most helpful and co-operative. Both in the men's and the women's departments he has contributed valuable service. I wish to take this opportunity, therefore, to express my appreciation to your Mission for allocating him to us, and hope that it will be possible for you to continue to do so.” In fine condition, with a couple of small stains. James Gareth Endicott (1898-1993) was a Canadian Christian minister, missionary, and socialist. As a missionary in China, Endicott taught English and became a professor of English and Ethics at West China Union University. He became social advisor to Chiang Kai-shek and political advisor to his New Life Movement, which sought to blend Chinese moral values found in Confucianism along with some Christianity and had a heavy nationalist influence. Initially a supporter of Chiang Kai-shek and his wife, he once compared Chiang to Abraham Lincoln and described Madame Chiang as a combination of Helen of Troy, Florence Nightingale, and Joan of Arc. However, Endicott later distanced himself from the Chiangs after witnessing the ill-treatment of Chinese troops and the Kuomintang's corruption. This led to his befriending of Zhou Enlai and his support of the Chinese Communist Party.

Estim. 800 - 1 200 USD

Lot 279 - Richard Cobden Autograph Letter Signed - Influential British statesman (1804-1865) associated with John Bright in the formation of the Anti-Corn Law League; an immensely important figure in classical-liberal thought in economics and international affairs. ALS signed “R. Cobden,” six pages two sets of adjoining sheets, 4.5 x 7.25, May 4, 1860. Handwritten letter to a gentleman, with excellent content. In part: "At the Council of the [Anti-Corn] League...it was decided to apply to Mr. Fox as the only man capable of doing justice to such an address...We don’t want the question to be argued, but to be taken up on the primitive ground of right & justice...that robs all the community for the clumsy expedient of putting a mere fraction of the booty into the pockets of the robbers. The object of the address should be, to stir up the community to active resistance against a law that degrades us as worse than slaves in the eyes of the world. Then the religious & moral feelings...of the Christians worth much to be drawn forth by the remembrance of the anti-slavery, & other struggles...the cause of truth & justice must proper in the end. The people must be told that there is no hope from the present House of Commons, which refused to allow corn to be grown...& refused to allow the Irish to import foreign flour at a time when their own flour was breeding typhus fever!...the country’s salvation must be worked out at the...polling booth. We may also glower at the despair which is seizing the minds of many...The increase of the armed military & civil forces to restrain the people might be referred to...as an argument with the middle & wealthy classes for giving content to the people by allowing them to be fed...[The address] must be blister to the aristocracy & the House of Commons." In fine condition.

Estim. 500 - 700 USD

Lot 281 - Continental Congress' 1775 Address 'To the People of Ireland,' Published in the Connecticut Journal - Issue of The Connecticut Journal and the New-Haven Post-Boy from Wednesday, August 16, 1775, [Whole] No. 409, four pages, 8.5 x 13.5, addressed to subscriber Elias Baldwin. The paper contains the full text of a Congressional letter "To the People of Ireland,” originally written by John Jay, signed in type in the footer by "John Hancock, President" of the Congress, on July 28, 1775. In part: “As the important contest, into which we have been driven, is now become interesting to every European state, and particularly affects the members of the British Empire, we think it our duty to address you on the subject. We are desirous, as is natural to injured innocence, of possessing the good opinion of the virtuous and humane. We are peculiarly desirous of furnishing you with a true state of our motives and objects; the better to enable you to judge of our conduct with accuracy, and determine the merits of the controversy with impartiality and precision.” In very good to fine condition, with original untrimmed pages, never bound; moderate dampstaining vertically through the centerfold, with a worn main horizontal fold; and two small holes through the folded sheet at the lower end of the main fold. With the pages open, the masthead and entire letter can be viewed on one side of the newspaper, well-suited for framing. Even before the Continental Congress recognized the failure of its July 1775 petitions to the King for relief, it agreed on the necessity to publicly explain to specific audiences the causes and nature of its newly escalated conflict. Following congressional instructions on June 3rd, committees prepared letters ‘to report an address to the inhabitants of various countries in the British Empire.’ These letters would be sent to Great Britain, Ireland, and Jamaica; the committee for Ireland consisted of John Adams, Samuel Adams, James Duane, John Jay (who wrote the draft for submission), and William Livingston. On July 21st, the draft letter was reported to Congress for finalization, and on July 28th the final version was approved and released for publication in newspapers and pamphlets. These letters had followed two negotiating instruments earlier that month to Britain, both the conciliatory letter known as the Olive Branch Petition on July 5th and a more hardened ‘Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms’ on July 6th. Both of these were eventually ignored by the King and his ministers as illegitimate paths to resolution, making the letter to Ireland even more relevant. From a review of these public documents, it is clear they anticipate Congress' Declaration of Independence a year later, and in some instances the eventual Bill of Rights: Congress identified the abuses that prompted the colonists to rebel against the British government and that had to be corrected. Among these, they cited taxes imposed without consultation, various kinds of judicial abuse, quartering of troops, restrictions on bodily freedoms, and their now-notorious complaints about Native American attacks fighting for the British government. Following their enumeration in this address, they characterize years of their colonial responses as measured and appropriate, but now provoked beyond tolerance, resulting in their reactions at Lexington and Concord and its aftermath that triggered the current state of war. Congress then pointed out that despite this state of war, as recently as early July they had made respectful overtures to the King and had counseled Americans to continue to be patient. Turning again to their audience in Ireland, they repeatedly assure them of America's friendliness, recognize Ireland's suffering under British rule, and apologize that Irish people must be caught up (through a trade boycott) in America's resistance, while offering that any are welcome to immigrate to America.

Estim. 400 - 600 USD

Lot 287 - Dorr Rebellion Broadside (March 4, 1842) - Important early broadside related to the Dorr Rebellion, an attempt by residents to force broader democracy in the state of Rhode Island, one page, 7.5 x 12.5, March 4, 1842, headed “Circular” and announcing that a “Convention of the Delegates of the People, legally assembled,” has framed a “Constitution for the government of Rhode Island” and is to be submitted “to the People for ratification or rejection.” Thomas Wilson Dorr, who later gave his name to the Rebellion of 1841-43, was at the time serving a life term in prison. The Dorr Rebellion is considered the most significant constitutional and political event in Rhode Island's history. The broadside reads, in part: “Permit us, your friends and fellow citizens having with you, a common interest in prosperity, honor and peace of our State, to acquaint you, frankly, with our views in relation to the present crisis...That Constitution, we repeat, was framed in a spirit of Compromise. While it makes provision for a most liberal extension of the right of suffrage, and secures a substantial equality, in the distribution of power, in the House of Representatives, it protects, by the organization of the Senate, the minority from oppression, and it endows the Agricultural interest with the means of saving itself from utter prostration...The proposed Constitution is in your hands...The proposed Constitution, we are convinced, ought to be adopted, and adopted too by overwhelming majority...The most strenuous efforts are making, and will be made, to defeat the Constitution. In order to counteract these efforts, every citizen, who values the welfare of the state and desires to maintain the supremacy of the laws, is bound to devote himself...Let not an illegal vote find its way into the ballot box! Let not a legal vote in its favor be lost!” In fine condition, with horizontal folds.

Estim. 200 - 400 USD

Lot 309 - J. Edgar Hoover Typed Letter Signed on Communism - TLS, one page, 8 x 10.25, Federal Bureau of Investigation letterhead, February 4, 1971. Letter to A. H. Stedman II in Detroit, in part: "With respect to your inquiry, the answer attributed to Assistant to the Director William C. Sullivan is based on a news story printed following a speech he gave on October 12, 1970, at Williamsburg, Virginia, and he has advised me that he was incompletely quoted. His comments concerning the influence of the Communist Party in disruptive activities were made in answer to a question following his address. In answer to a direct question on this topic he stated that the Communist Party was not the sole factor involved in the unrest existing in our Nation today. He went on to explain the complexity of the matter and pointed out that, in addition to the Communist Party, there are communists and Marxists outside of this organization who are extremely active in campus unrest and who are engaged in violence of the worst kind, including bombing and arson. Mr. Sullivan has also advised me that he pointed out in his reply that the Communist Party does attempt to exploit troubled situations and in no way did he indicate the communists were not involved in fomenting disruptive activities and racial disorders. Adherents to communist ideology and its various interpretations, whether by Marx, Lenin, Trotsky or others, most certainly are deeply involved in such activities which further the cause of worldwide communism." Nicely matted and framed with a portrait and nameplate to an overall size of 22 x 18. In fine condition.

Estim. 200 - 400 USD

Lot 319 - King Charles II Document Signed, Referring to "America" (1675) - Important manuscript document boldly signed at the top “Charles R,” one page, 7.5 x 11.75, Whitehall, March 28, 1675, with scarce reference to America. The document, addressed to Heneage Lord Finch (1st Earl of Nottingham) as Keeper of the Great Seal (and Lord Chancellor), authorizes him to affix the Great Seal of England “to a certain Instrument... constituting Our Truly & Wel[l] beloved Edward Cranfield, Esq., Richard Dickenson & Mark Brent, Gent(lemen), Our Commissioners for the fetching of such of Our subjects as remain in the Colony of Surinam in America, & who are willing to depart thence.” Signed at the head by King Charles II, and countersigned at the conclusion by Sir Joseph Williamson (1633-1701) in his capacity as Secretary of State to the Northern Department. The paper seal affixed at the upper left remains intact. In fine condition. Surinam was a short-lived English colony in South America founded in 1650 by Lord Willoughby when he was the Royalist Governor of Barbados. In 1663 there were about 50 sugar plantations in the colony worked by indigenous Indians and 3,000 African slaves. There were around 1,000 white settlers, including Brazilian Jews attracted by the religious freedom granted to all settlers. As part of the 1667 Treaty of Breda, which concluded the Second Anglo-Dutch War, Britain ceded Surinam to the Dutch, and in part exchange, took possession of New York. This warrant is making arrangements for the repatriation of English merchants and settlers in the colony who did not wish to remain there under Dutch rule. Surinam was renamed Suriname and is today a country that partially borders with Brazil. Samuel Cranfield, one of the commissioners referenced in this document, served as Governor of the Province of New Hampshire from 1682-85.

Estim. 800 - 1 000 USD

Lot 323 - King George IV Autograph Letter Signed on Appointing Wellington as Commander-in-Chief in America - Third-person ALS, signed twice within the text, "the Prince Regent," one page, 7.25 x 9, November 19, 1814. Handwritten letter, marked "Most Private," to "Earl Bathurst," regarding the appointment of Wellington as commander-in-chief in America. In part: "The Prince Regent, has receiv'd the Dispatches...which have been forwarded to him by Lord Melville & Lord Bathurst...nothing should be neglected, to induce the Duke of Wellington, to accept of the Chief Command in America, as soon as possible." In fine condition, with the hand-addressed and free-franked address leaf (signed with his initials, "G.P.R.") detached, but present. This historic letter presents a fascinating 'what-if,' as British leaders—both George IV and Prime Minister Liverpool—lobbied for Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, to take command of troops in America during the later stages of the War of 1812. In August 1814, British troops captured Washington, before American victories at Baltimore and Plattsburgh in September ended fighting in the north. Although Wellington replied that he would go to America, he believed that he was needed more in Europe. Further, he told the government that it had no right to demand territorial concessions: 'I think you have no right, from the state of war, to demand any concession of territory from America... You have not been able to carry it into the enemy's territory, notwithstanding your military success, and now undoubted military superiority, and have not even cleared your own territory on the point of attack. You cannot on any principle of equality in negotiation claim a cession of territory except in exchange for other advantages which you have in your power... Then if this reasoning be true, why stipulate for the uti possidetis? You can get no territory: indeed, the state of your military operations, however creditable, does not entitle you to demand any.' Ultimately, Wellington remained in Europe as ambassador to France, and the remaining British troops in America were decisively defeated at New Orleans in early 1815.

Estim. 2 000 - 2 500 USD

Lot 334 - Guglielmo Marconi Handwritten Notes on His Radio Telegraph Research - Unsigned handwritten notes in Italian by Guglielmo Marconi, three pages on two 4.25 x 5.5 cards of the Reale Accademia d'Italia, no date. Marconi provides a handwritten synopsis of his development of the radio telegraph, in part (translated): "1901 / 1902 Carlo Alberto...Contributed to the set-up of Coltano Station 1905 - 1910 / Dedicated to the development of the R. T. [radio telegraph] services in Italy and especially of the Radio Maritime services in other countries also. From 1927 the Radio Maritime services have been managed by an Italian enterprise, the IT RAD Maritime Society. From 1928 I did not take active part in the administration of the Marconi Company, to be able to apply myself to my technical work and to other tasks that have been entrusted to me by the [Italian, deleted] Fascist government. Italian R. T. personnel have more benefits than the English personnel, especially regarding sicknesses and in case they are fired." In fine condition. Marconi provides a unique biography of his greatest invention and his dedication to "the development of the R. T. (radio telegraph) services in Italy and especially of the Radio Maritime services in other countries also," which enabled the wireless transmission of messages across the Atlantic Ocean. The "Carlo Alberto" referenced was the Italian Navy battleship from which Marconi conducted wireless experiments in 1902, successfully transmitting radio communications across the mountain chains of Europe. From his first wireless station at Coltano, located in Italy, he exchanged communications between Clifden, Ireland, and Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, introducing the world to a new era of radio telegraph technology between. Years later, Marconi would align himself with Italian dictator, Benito Mussolini, becoming fully immersed in the Italian Fascist party in 1923. In 1928, Marconi would take a step back from his namesake company "to be able to apply myself to my technical work and to other tasks that have been entrusted to me by the...Fascist government." In 1930, Mussolini appointed Marconi president of the Royal Academy of Italy, making the inventor a member of the Fascist Grand Council. An exceptionally rare, firsthand account from the influential inventor.

Estim. 800 - 1 200 USD

Lot 335 - Thomas McKean (2) Revolutionary War-Dated Documents Signed - Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Delaware (1734-1817) who later served as president of the Continental Congress, Chief Justice of Pennsylvania, and Governor of Pennsylvania. Two Revolutionary War-dated documents signed by McKean: a manuscript pay order, endorsed "Tho. M:Kean," one page, 8 x 6.75, December 6, 1779, in part: "Please to Pay to the Honourable Thomas McKean Esquire the sum of Three Hundred and sixty Pounds two Shillings and nine pence being the travelling Expences of the Judges and Protonotary"; and a very rare vellum partly-printed military appointment, signed as president of the Continental Congress, "Th[o. M:]Kean, President," one page, 10.5 x 6.5, September 18, 1781, appointing William Shepard as "Ensign in the fourth Massachusetts Regiment." Impressively cloth-matted and framed together with an engraved portrait and biographical caption to an overall size of 27 x 24.5. In very good condition, with two areas of paper loss to the bottom of the 1781 appointment, one affecting about half of McKean's signature. As McKean served as president of the Continental Congress for a span of just under four months, his signature in that capacity is quite scarce. The 4th Massachusetts saw most of its action early in the war, participating in the Battle of Bunker Hill, Battle of Trenton, Battle of Princeton, Battle of Saratoga, Battle of Monmouth, and the Battle of Rhode Island.

Estim. 200 - 400 USD
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