Description

Description: In the first three-page autograph letter signed (23rd May 1861) to James Samuelson, the editor of Popular Science Review, Robert Hunt expresses his preference to write about “the History of applied science” over a series of articles on  “The applications of science,” understanding that his interests may not have a place in the Review whose purpose “is to record everyday advances.”

Hunt, however, expresses his willingness to write “papers on Physical Science etc., such as for Example ‘The Physical condition of the Sun’s surface’-in which [he] would fully examine all that has been done since Sir W Herschell’s time–leading to the recent remarkable [exhibition–?] of Bunsen and others–”

He adds, “On practical Geology and mineralogy –as connected with our own country–I can give you, from the facilities afforded by my official position. . . The theoretical division of these subjects I should desire to leave to others–”

Hunt concludes by stating his willingness to work with any plan that Samuelson “may sketch out. I am/My dear Sir/Yours very truly/Robert Hunt”

Letter is written on 7” x 4 ½”  ivory laid paper from “6 Green’s Room, Royal Hospital, Chelsea, London.” Item #A01798

In a second autograph letter signed (6th May, 1862), Hunt, who is preoccupied with his duties as a commissioner of the juries[?] and with his Handbook, tells [presumably] Samuelson that he would write “an article “On the Science of the International Exhibition” in June if he could wait. Signed “I am/Most faithfully yours/Robert Hunt”. Two pages written on similar paper, from the same address as above.

Robert Hunt (1807-1887) was a British scientist, meteorologist, antiquarian, poet, and an early pioneer of photography. He published the first English treatise on photography…Manual of Photography in 1841. He held the government post of Keeper of Mining Records (1845-1882) and published the annual Mineral Statistics of the United Kingdom (1855-1884). He was elected Fellow of the Royal Society in 1852.

James Samuelson (1829-1918) was a Liverpool industrialist and the founder and editor of the Popular Science Review and the Quarterly of Journal of Sciences.

Condition: Mailing fold lines, otherwise in fine condition.