CAVENDISH HENRY: (1731-1810) English Scientist & Natural Philosopher, and important experimental and theoretical ...

CAVENDISH HENRY: (1731-1810) English Scientist & Natural Philosopher, and important experimental and theoretical chemist and physicist, noted for his discovery of hydrogen. An extremely rare A.L.S., H. Cavendish, one page, 4to, Clapham, 27th July n.y. (c.1804), to Charles Hatchett. Cavendish thanks his correspondent for their obliging letter and remarks that he can always be found at Clapham before 12 noon, although also offering to meet Hatchett at Bedford Square the following Monday, commenting 'As there is to be a committee of council next Thursday. It would be better that we could see each other before that time'. Cavendish further adds 'I last week sent to Sir Joseph [Banks] the enclosed sketch (no longer present) of what seemed to me to be the best manner of trying the experiments, but do not know whether he shewed them to you, & shall be glad if you will consider whether you can suggest anything better'. With integral address leaf. A letter of good association and of interest for its references to Sir Joseph Banks and an experiment. Some light, uniform age toning to the body of the letter, some light staining, small tears and minor traces of former mounting to the extreme edges and some contemporary repairs to the integral leaf, G £400-600 Charles Hatchett (1765-1847) British Mineralogist and Analytical Chemist, elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1797. Sir Joseph Banks (1743-1820) English Naturalist, Botanist & Patron of the Natural Sciences. Autograph Letters of Cavendish rarely appear on the market and American Book Prices Current record only one other letter having appeared at auction (Skinner, 15th November 2009, lot 19, sold for a hammer price of $1700).