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19th Century Student of Medicine
Journal of Manuscript Medical Notes in German, titled: "Materia Medica und Formulare nach Dr. Büchner" , [Medical Material and Formulas According to Dr. Büchner].
Manuscript notes made by a nineteenth century student of medicine, possibly intent on becoming an apothecary, who examines and records the earlier works of German physician and professor Andreas Elias Buechner (1701-1769), including numerous medicinal recipes and commentary on physiological effects. 8vo. 56 pages in manuscript. Text is in German. Marbled paper boards with blank label to front. Volume measures approximately 17 x 21 cm. Very slight wear to boards, otherwise in very good condition, internally crisp and bright. The 18th century was the 'Golden Age' of scientific academies and learned societies. This work provides valuable information on the historic application of natural ingredients with medicinal qualities, as well as a somewhat early history of the experimentation and progress in the field of medicine, by drawing from the methodology and recipes of a notable eighteenth century German physician and educator in the field - Andreas Elias Büchner. Following a five-point outline, the writer compiles a lengthy and well organized list of medical ailments or discomforts and the simple remedies for them, over 24 pages, a very small sampling of these being parageusia (a distortion of the sense of taste), digestive issues for which are listed various laxatives, skin sensitivities and emollients, "alterantia" or hormonal alterants, and diaphoretics. A section headed "Special Formulas," comprising 23 pages of more complex medicinal recipes, provides ingredients and measurements for various emulsions, syrups, pills and much more. Andreas Elias Büchner (1701-1769) was a German physician, naturalist, Professor of Medicine at some of Germany's leading institutions, president of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina from 1735 to 1769, and one of Friedrich Hoffmann's most zealous followers. Manuscript
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Darwin, Emma
ALS Autograph Letter Signed By Emma Darwin, Wife of Naturalist Sir Charles Darwin. ca.1889, addressed to Her friend Frances (presumably Frances Julia "Snow" Wedgwood
One Original Signed Letter, written Springfield Newnham, Cambridge, Nov 24 [1879]. 2 pages, 8vo. Bi-folium on headed paper with mourning border, "Down, Beckenham, Kent, Railway Station, Orpington S.E.R." Leaf measures approximately 11,5cm x 18cm (4.5 inches x 7 inches), when folded. Very Good Condition, nicely preserved. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. The Letter reads: My dear Frances, I see in the papers that you have lost your dear mother. I remember when you kindly wrote to me by her wish, that she felt herself that her end could not be very distant. I should be very grateful for a line, and I trust you will be able to tell me that she did not suffer very much; but rather that her placid & happy nature remained with her to the last. Believe me , Very sincerely yours, Emma Darwin" Frances Julia "Snow" Wedgwood (9 July 1833 – 26 November 1913) was an English feminist novelist, biographer, historian and literary critic. She was described as "a young woman of extreme passions and fastidious principles" and "at once a powerful reasoner and an inexorable critic of reason” Manuscript
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Darwin, Emma
ALS Autograph Letter Signed By Emma Darwin, Wife of Naturalist Sir Charles Darwin. ca.1889, addressed to Her friend Frances (presumably Frances Julia "Snow" Wedgwood
One Original Signed Letter, written ca.1889, 2 pages 8vo. Bi-folium on headed paper, "Down, Farnborough R.S.O, Kent". Leaf measures approximately 11,5cm x 18cm (4.5 inches x 7 inches), when folded. Very Good Condition, nicely preserved. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. The letter reads: My dear Frances, I am anxious to know how your cousin is today, & whether you have hopes of being able to move tomorrow. If you had leisure to come & see me this afternoon for a short time, I should be glad; but only send me a verbal answer at all events. yours very sincerely, E. Darwin, (Mrs. Charles Darwin)" Frances Julia "Snow" Wedgwood (9 July 1833 – 26 November 1913) was an English feminist novelist, biographer, historian and literary critic. She was described as "a young woman of extreme passions and fastidious principles" and "at once a powerful reasoner and an inexorable critic of reason. Manuscript
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Anon.
Spoof Decree of a Criminal Prosecution for Drunkenness in the Form an Exorbitant Monetary Fine Payable to the Deliverer of the Document - COMPLETED IN MANUSCRIPT.
8vo. 1 page, printed document completed in manuscript including date, name of recipient/delinquent, amount of the fine, name and signature of the messenger/collector of funds. With a partial manuscript message to inner page of leaf. Double leaf measuring approximately 17 x 21 cm in its folded state, watermarked with the year 1822. Signed in ink in an original hand, "Jno. Rd. Carter," as the messenger. Very good and original condition, an amusing document, seldom seen completed in manuscript. Roughly designed after an authentic court document, the heading bears the abbreviations "G.R. IV" signifying the reign of King George IV and features an engraved representation of the Royal Coat of Arms of the British monarch. Dated 31 January 1826 in manuscript, charges are laid upon a Mr. David Crossby of Gosberton [South Holland district, Lincolnshire], who is guilty of the crime of "the wicked and abominable sin of drunkenness, by frequently swallowing large quantities of Beer, Ale, Porter, and all other Malt Liquors, (Small Beer excepted) Brandy, Rum...", his fine being 50 pounds of good and lawful Money of Great Britain, payable within 24 hours to the deliverer of the said notice. Fifty pounds sterling was a very large sum of money at the time, £50 then being equivalent to approximately £4,450 today, although substantially more impactful when we consider that the average income from 1800 to 1825 was less than £20 a year. As such, the fine here would represent approximately 3 years wages to the poor bloke who was "convicted" of simply consuming alcohol.
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Maharajah Bahadur of Hathwa
A Personal and Exquisite New Years' Greeting for Governor of Bengal Sir Francis Stanley Jackson, from the Maharajah Bahadur of Hathwa, Signed in the Original by the Latter "Guru Mahadev Ashram Prasad Sahi".
A personal and exquisite New Years' greeting, dated 1 January 1932, for Governor of Bengal Sir Francis Stanley Jackson, from the Maharajah Bahadur of Hathwa, signed in the original by the latter "Guru Mahadev Ashram Prasad Sahi". Single leaf one-off printed document on parchment, with illustrated border, recto framed with exquisite gilt ribbons sequined, embroidered, with tassels, verso backed with pink silk textile, measuring approximately 26,5 x 42 cm. Signature faint, document creased, otherwise in very good condition, nicely preserved, clean and bright, a singular and personal document from royalty of India. A singular document, elegantly crafted and signed by a Maharajah, commemorates the end of term for Sir Francis Stanley Jackson as British Governor of Bengal. Sir Francis Stanley Jackson GCSI GCIE KStJ (1870-1947) was a captain in the British Army and served in the Boer War, a Conservative Party MP, Governor of Bengal from 1927 to 1932, and an avid English cricketer. During Stanley's time at Harrow School his fag [personal servant] was fellow parliamentarian and future Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Only five weeks after this document was made, on 6 February 1932, Jackson narrowly escaped an attempted assassination by a female student named Bina Das as he was making a speech in the Convocation Hall of the University of Calcutta. Later in the same year (1932), Jackson he was awarded the KStJ (Order of Saint John) and was appointed GCSI (Most Exalted Order of the Star of India). As such, on this document his honour of chivalry is only Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire. He is also recognized with the title P.C., then being a Member of the Privy Council.
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COOK, Peter
Manuscript Journal - Nautical Log with Compass Drawing
Constantinople, Odessa, Canary Islands, Spain, Italy, 1816-1818. Manuscript journal chronicling two voyages with a British merchant brig called "Exchange," featuring a sixteen-month voyage for trade at the Turkish city of Constantinople and Russian ruled Odessa only five years after the conclusion of the Anglo-Russian War, and two years prior to Odessa becoming a Free Port, being a detailed nautical log made by Peter Cook, a ship's mate twenty-six years of age. Folio. 88 pages, with authorship signature. A purpose-made document produced by J. Robins & Sons of Southwark, for recording nautical data during a sea voyage, completed in manuscript by the marine. Double leafs measuring approximately 21 x 32 cm, watermarked "O & P 1812" and with the Britannia, string-tied with paper wrappers titled in manuscript to front. Together with a single leaf in the same hand, with a hand coloured manuscript drawing of a mariner's compass to recto, and manuscript notes on Traverse Sailing to verso, made by the same hand circa 1805-1810, measuring approximately 21 x 25 cm. Together with the mariner's pensioner ticket, a legal document made on vellum, completed in manuscript, dated and signed on 22 April 1872 by an administrator of the Board of Trade, measuring approximately 19,5 x 25 cm. Some age-toning, a few leafs chipped at margin, otherwise in very good and original condition. Little is known of the vessel or the writer, other than what is revealed in the present documents. Robert Ashton was the commander of the brig, "SS Exchange" whose home port at the time was Plymouth. Peter Cook, born 1790, was a man of short stature, evidently employed by the mercantile marine. He was placed on the Pension List by the Board of Trade at the Port of Milford, Surrey, effective 1 April 1871, and resided in Tenby in Wales. Manuscript
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Anonymous
Manuscript - Vellum Land Deed - Burnham Market - Text in Latin - Wax Seal
Burnham Market [in the district of King's Lynn, Norfolk], 1589. Manuscript indenture on vellum, outlining a conveyance of land in the environs of Burnham Market, from Edward Clarke of Stanhoe to John Barrett of Barwick, with a monogram magenta red wax seal. Text is in Latin. Document measures approximately 47 x 9 cm, with wax seal affixed to vellum pendant. Some age-toning, otherwise in very good condition. Latin indenture made in the thirty-first year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth I [1589] concerning land in the area of Burnham Market, very near to Stanhoe, with which John Barrett of Barwicke acquires land from Edward Clarke of Stanhowe. A William Baxter is also mentioned in this document. The wax seal features imagery of a sword or staff within monogram letters, suggesting a notable status of service to the king. This is an exceptionally scarce and consequently significant concerning property rights in the sixteenth century feudal era of England, dated only thirty years from the earliest parish record held in Norfolk registry archives, and featuring a most interesting wax seal. Stanhoe is a village and civil parish in the district of King's Lynn and West Norfolk, only 19 miles from the seaside village of King's Lynn which would later be the birthplace of Captain George Vancouver the great navigator of Pacific Northwest America fame. Manuscript
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Sir George William Des Voeux
Private Manuscript Telegraph Letter from Governor of Hong Kong, Sir George William Des Voeux, to Colonial Administrator Sir William MacGregor. Together with a Manuscript Decipherment, and a Signed Letter from Sir Henry Wylie Norman.
Manuscript telegraph letter sent from Governor of Hong Kong Sir George William Des Voeux, in cipher, to Colonial Administrator Sir William MacGregor, which offers to the post of Colonial Secretary of Hong Kong, on the same day which Colonial Secretary Frederick Stewart died. Together with a manuscript decipherment, and a signed letter from the decipherer of the message, Sir Henry Wylie Norman, Governor of Queensland. 8vo. Single-leaf telegraph on the stationery of the Telegraph Office Queensland completed in manuscript and dated 29 September 1889; Double leaf manuscript letter on the stationery of the Queensland Government House Brisbane dated 1 October 1889; hand trimmed manuscript note measuring approximately 17,5 x 11,5 cm. All three documents fastened together with a brass pin. Some creasing, minor wear at folds, otherwise in very good condition, a fascinating disclosure of of Hong Kong administrative history perhaps previously unknown to anyone but the parties involved. This is a little-known and private correspondence, concealed for delivery with a colonial cipher language, between two important colonial administrators, concerning the title of Colonial Secretary of Hong Kong. A telegraph from Hong Kong reveals that an offer was made to MacGregor to work in China in 1889. The sender does not reveal himself, and the message in written in code, however a contemporary manuscript decipherment fastened with a brass brad discloses the contents. Sir George William Des Voeux, Governor of Hong Kong is the sender. Des Voeux knew MacGregor well from his time as Governor of Fiji from 1880-1885, during which period he worked with MacGregor who was Treasurer then Colonial Secretary of Fiji. Manuscript
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Maurice de Vernouillet
Manuscript Lecture Notes on Ancient Civilizaions from the Teachings of Professor Marc Petit de Baroncourt, Collège Bourbon, La Réunion, 1842-45.
"Histoire Ancienne. Histoire du Moyen Age." [Ancient History. Middle Ages.] Manuscript history of the world from Antiquity to the Middle Ages, being lecture notes written by Maurice de Vernouillet, at the time a pupil of history professor Marc Petit de Baroncourt at the Collège de Bourbon, on the island of Réunion, east of Madagascar. Text is in French. 8vo. 2 volumes, 274, 294 pages, plus title pages to each volume. Bound uniformly in black calf over blue marbles boards, gilt title and tooling to spines. Volumes vary slightly in size, the first measuring approximately 17,5 x 21,5 cm, the second 15,5 x 19,5 cm. Minor wear to boards, otherwise in very good condition, a content-rich work in a fine hand. The origin of these works, Réunion Island, is revealed on the title pages of the second volume, by noting the professor's name, Monsieur [Marc] Petit de Baroncourt, who in 1841 became Professeur agrégé d'histoire au collège de Bourbon [Associate Professor of History at Bourbon College (in 1841)]. Born in Étain, Meuse, De Baroncourt was also a historical writer, beginning with an abridged history of the Middle Ages. The National Library of France holds at least one letter and one book by him. The student and writer is presumably Augustin "Maurice" Marchant de Vernouillet, born 18 April 1829 in Paris, who would later become a Resident Secretary in Madrid, holding the title of "Ministre plénipotentiaire de 1° classe" [a diplomat of ambassador usually with full power over a foreign land]. These volumes provide a rare opportunity to possess and examine the teachings of a notable French professor of the Collège Bourbon, on Isle Bourbon, today called La Réunion, where slavery was still ongoing, as was French colonisation. Manuscript
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Johann Zschokke
Manuscript History Concerning the Protestant Reformation in Switzerland, Drawing from the Work of Reformer and Author Johann Zschokke: "Neuere Geschichte vom Beginn der kirchlichen Trennung 1519 bis auf die heutigen Tage. Auszug aus Zschokke, 1833-34.
Manuscript of religious interest, concerning the Protestant Reformation in Switzerland and drawing strictly from the work of reformer and author Johann Zschokke. Manuscript entitled, "Neuere Geschichte vom Beginn der kirchlichen Trennung 1519 bis auf die heutigen Tage. Auszug aus Zschokke. 1833-34." [Recent History from the Beginning of the Ecclesiastical Separation 1519 to the Present Day. Short Excerpt from Zschokke. 1833-1834.] The writer only identifies himself as "Bernhard" on the title page. Text is in German, in a fine hand. 8vo. 129 pages, plus title page. Brown continental boards. Volume measures approximately 12 x 18 cm. Slight wear to boards at extremities, otherwise in very good condition, internally very crisp and bright, a beautifully preserved document. Zschokke is widely remembered for writings of history and fiction. As the present volume transcribes from a religious treatise, it preserves parts of a little-known and more scarce work, while also providing insight into his perspective as a religious reformer. The present volume contains highlights from Zschokke's history of Switzerland during the religious reformation era, a subject of great importance to him as a Protestant reformer himself. Manuscript
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Collyer - Farming
Manuscript Accounts Ledger Kept by Scottish Farmer Daniel Collyer, Concerning a Sizeable Historical Farming Estate upon which Today Stands the Old Cormiston Farm Cottage.
Manuscript accounts ledger kept by Scottish farmer Daniel Collyer, Esq., (1776-1824), and subsequently continued by his widow Elizabeth, concerning a sizeable historical farming estate upon which today stands the old Cormiston Farm Cottage, providing a very detailed record of the setup, daily undertakings, and commerce of an early nineteenth century farmstead. Folio. 317 pages in manuscript, watermarked leafs, with a rough manuscript plan of the farm drawn on the front endpaper, and a second more detailed plan drawn on a separate leaf loosely placed within. Green boards representative, simple red label to spine, original marbled endpapers. In a patented account book made by John Williams of London, stationer to the Royal family, with original bookbinder's label to front pastedown, dated 1806. Front board bowing, partial separation at front hinge, otherwise in very good condition, binding remaining firm, interior crisp and clean, a very thorough record of early Scottish farming practices and rural life. This volume is replete with detail, a treasury of information, not only about the Collyer family connection to historic Cormiston, but also about local activities including trade, market fairs, social interests, nineteenth century households and the workings of Scottish farming practices. On the lands described herein, there still stands today an old farmhouse, now operating as a family run bed and breakfast called "Cormiston Farm Cottage" [Biggar ML12 6NS, some 2 miles from the town of Biggar]. The farmhouse was built in the 1790's and is still retains many of the original Georgian and Victorian features. The house and large Georgian steading to the rear are B Listed (Grade II) by Historic Scotland, identified by the Canmore National Record of Historic Environment as "Cormiston Towers Farm" ID number 47484, site number NS93NE 29. Manuscript
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Henri Reynis
Manuscript Memoire, in French, with Signed Dedication on the Life and Works of J.B.G. Gaspard Belhomme, Curator of the Departmental Archives of Haute Garonn.
Manuscript Memoire entitled: "Notice sur la vie et les ouvrages de J.B.G. Gaspard Belhomme, Conservateur des Archives Départementales de la Hte. Garonne, Membre de l'Académie des Sciences et de la Société Archéologique de Toulouse; Correspondant du Ministre de l'Instruction Publique; par l'abbé Henri Reynis." [Notice on the life and works of J.B.G. Gaspard Belhomme, Curator of the Departmental Archives of Haute Garonne, Member of the Academy of Sciences and the Archaeological Society of Toulouse; Correspondent of the Minister of Public Instruction; by Henry Reynis] 8vo. 69 pages in manuscript, plus title page, half title, dedication to Belhomme's widow, and a preface signed by the author. All text is in French. Original brown cloth boards, gilt title and four raised bands to spine, white satin endpapers, gilt tooled turn-ins. Volume measures approximately 14 x 21,5 cm. Very slight wear to boards mainly at extremities, otherwise in very good condition, clean and bright internally, a lovely memoire in a fine hand. Manuscript
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David Rordorf-Mahler
Massive Primary Source Archive of over 700 Original Architectural Drawings of Swiss Architect David Rordorf-Mahler, architect in Zurich (1856-1936)
The archive contains a plethora of material. Original Artwork in different formats, namely a collection of 14 original sketchbooks with numerous original colored drawings, approx. 540 original pencil drawings, 16 original water colored pencil drawings, 24 original watercolors, 15 original ink drawings, 32 original pencil ink drawings, 18 original watercolors, 79 original etchings, partly in aquatint, 30 manuscript pages of notes, 4 original oil studies and 3 photographs. Sheet dimensions from approx. 4 x 8 inches to approx. 22 x 26 inches. The archive includes manuscript cost calculations and numerous, partly large-scale construction drawings for the restoration work at the town hall Bülach. With his keen sense and appreciation of history, the Swiss architect Rordorf was an attentive observer of Swiss culture. As a result of the restoration work based on his designs at the town hall Bülach (around 1905) and in the Castle Greifensee (historic room conversions 1917) he drew the attention of the Swiss public to his work. Also, architectural and floor plan drawings, beautiful views (between 1876-1933) of Switzerland, including Bremgarten, Dübendorf, Effretikon, Lugano, Freiburg, New Bechburg, Thierstein, Bern-Thun, Mariastein, Aarberg, Castle Burgdorf, Kyburg, Locarno, Arbon, Brugg, Zurich, Erlach, as well as Italy, France and Germany. Documents include announcement and invitations and manuscripts of the Société "On the Wall" in Zürich, manuscript letters, poems, purchase contracts and dividing documents between David and Paul Rordorf, etc., as well as a district plan of the city of Zurich. Rordorf-Mahler was a member of the Zurich Artist Society, the Swiss Association of Engineers and Architects, the Société "On the Wall" in Zurich, and at times its President. All in all, an impressive archive of original drawings and at the same time, an important primary source material for the history of architecture in Switzerland. Manuscript
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British Marine
Account of the Portuguese Belenzada Affair During the Counter-Revolution Begun by Queen Maria II of Portugal
Primary source account of the Belenzada Affair, by a British marine serving on HMS Cornwallis (1813) and participating in the event at Lisbon, describing daily and hourly actions taking place during the counter-revolution begun by Queen Maria II. Annotated by a contemporary transcriber who seems to be a friend of the diarist and presumably the recipient of the original letter, to front upper margin: "Extract Private letter" and to the end leaf: "Novr. 3d 1836 Revolution at Lisbon Copy of Wms Report of it". 8vo. 7 pages in manuscript. Two double leafs measuring approximately 21 x 26,5 cm. Occasional creasing, very minor loss to first leaf, not affecting legibility of context, otherwise in very good condition. The Belenzada, also known as the Belém Affair, was an attempted coup in November 1836 by Queen Maria II of Portugal and her husband Prince Ferdinand II, to remove the liberal government which had been established by the September Revolution, and to reinstate the Constitutional Charter of 1826. Despite enjoying diplomatic support from the United Kingdom and Belgium, the attempt was frustrated by the determination of the National Guard, the regular army and the general population of Lisbon. This primary source document provides a superbly detailed chronical of events of one counter-revolution in Imperial Portugal, initiated by Queen Maria II herself, as a response to the uprising of the Setembrismo and Cartismo movement to end the political "devorismo" ('devourism') as it was termed at the time. The event is all-but-forgotten by Western historians, albeit said to be one of the three most important of conspiracies or plots executed during this period of unrelenting political conflict. Manuscript
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James Dennistou, Scottish Art Collector
Manuscript Signed Letter by a Scottish Art Collector, Concerning the Acquisition of Paintings by Crivelli.
Manuscript signed letter by Scottish art collector James Dennistoun to Lady Ann Cullum, while both are in Rome, concerning her acquisition of paintings by Crivelli, and making recommendation for a skilled local Italian restorer. 8vo. 3 pages in manuscript, double leaf measuring approximately 12,5 x 19 cm, with seashell watermark, integral address being simply 28 Corso, remnants of a green wax seal. Undated, but similar correspondence in the Cullum archives help to date this letter to the period before 1842. A small segment of mounting paper adhered to verso, loss to one corner at margin, text unobstructed, otherwise in very good condition. The paintings discussed in this correspondence are indeed treasures of antiquity, made by Carlo Crivelli (Venice c. 1430 - Ascoli Piceno 1495), Italian Renaissance painter of conservative Late Gothic decorative sensibility, who spent his early years in the Veneto, where he absorbed influences from the Vivarini, Squarcione and Mantegna. Crivelli's works are exceedingly scarce. Only two can be found today in Venice, both in the church of San Sebastiano. It is interesting to note that the present letter refers to more than one Crivelli painting, "the Crivellis... they" etc. Without seeing these specific art works, but holding the ancient artist in due high regard, Dennistoun states that they would surely equal Crivelli's other well-known and venerated pieces. He also estimates a value of 3,000 piastres [modest indeed for such an invaluable prize]. Manuscript
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Assessor and Quaestor of Bückeburg
Two Signed Manuscript Letters in German, Addressed to Princess Juliane Wilhelmine Louise of Schaumburg-Lippe and Johann Ludwig Reichsgraf [Count] von Wallmoden-Gimborn, Concerning a Financial Aid for a Peasant.
Two manuscript signed letters, Dated 22 February & 10 May 1799, sent by the Assessor and Quaestor of Bückeburg, addressed to both Princess Juliane Wilhelmine Louise of Schaumburg-Lippe and Johann Ludwig Reichsgraf [Count] von Wallmoden-Gimborn, who were jointly governing the Principality of Schaumburg-Lippe, concerning a specific incident in delayed transportation of corn to Prussian troops. Text is in German. Quarto. 3 pages in manuscript, combined. Double leafs measuring approximately 20 x 32 cm, each with two watermarks, and armorial paper seal impressed over red wax. Very slight creasing, otherwise in very good and original condition, a most interesting correspondence from the fiefdom rule of beloved Princess Juliane. Manuscript
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Sxony Famine
Signed Manuscript Letter in German with a Red Wax Seal, Written During the Great Saxony Famine, Concerning the Scarcity of Corn.
Primary source manuscript signed letter written during the great Saxony famine, which claimed many civilian lives, addressed to the Count of Lippe-Alverdissen [Philipp Ernest II], concerning the scarcity of corn. Text is in German. Quarto. 3 pages in manuscript. Double leaf aid paper measuring approximately 20 x 32 cm, with two watermarks, red and black marbles wax seal of a dove with olive branch. Minor indication of moisture to upper margin unobtrusive to text, otherwise in very good condition, a fascinating early correspondence with a beautiful intact red wax seal. Rare primary source account concerning a matter of urgency - the shortage of corn in the regions surrounding Lower Saxony - during the 1771-1772 famine, which reveals the geographical extent of the calamity as it spread beyond Saxony to its neighbouring counties, and provides specific corn measurements recorded by a notable corn keeper and merchant in Münster. The writer, W. Helbricht, appears to be the "frumentarius" (a corn dealer), and also the "kornschreiber" (one who keeps record of the corn). In his correspondence to the count, he pleads for mercy, explaining that in Alverdisser there had not been much corn recently. He provides specific measurements to illustrate the dire circumstances. His wax seal is also telling of the period, being a crisp image of a dove holding an olive branch, the traditional symbol of peace and hope. The scarcity of corn was so great in Saxony and Southern Germany, that large numbers of civilians died of starvation, some estimates citing approximately 150,000 deaths.
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Ponting and British Royalty
Visitors Book for Guests of the Hythe Golf Club, Founded in 1894, with 78 Manuscript Signatures Penned on 10 Leafs.
Visitors book for guests of the Hythe Golf Club, founded in 1894, with 78 manuscript signatures penned on 10 leafs. 8vo. Full calf binding, with impressed heraldic seal to front, raised lettering "CCW The Links Hythe" also to front, five raised bands to spine, untrimmed leafs. Volume measures approximately 21 x 26,5 x 2,5 cm. Wear to boards, front bowed slightly, otherwise in very good condition, containing some notable signatures. Members of the British monarchy's household are featured in the volume, with signatures made on 8 August 1823, including Albert, Duke of York, (later King George VI). His new bride, Elizabeth, Duchess of York (later the Queen Mother) evidently accompanied him, he signing on her behalf. Also with them, and signing in the original, was lady-in-waiting Katharine Meade, as well as the Duke's advisor Sir Louis Greig. Sir Clement Anderson Montague-Barlow, 1st Baronet, who at the time was Minister of Labour and a member of the Privy Council, also signed on the same day, as well as six others. Having just been married in April, during the summer of 1923 Albert and Elizabeth, future King and Queen of the United Kingdom, were travelling a fair bit. They first settled into White Lodge, in Richmond Park. They were spotted at the Richmond Show, and shortly after that at the Hendon Air Show. They visited Holyrood House in Edinburgh in July. Their social life was beginning on a grand scale. At the end of the season, they went to stay at Molecomb and attended the races at Goodwood. The present volume reveals a little-known and rather private event at the Hythe Links Golf Course on 8 August 1923. Among other elite visitors whose signatures are present in the volume, we find: - Antarctic explorer Herbert G. Ponting - Sir William Letts a pioneer of the British motor industry and founder member of the Automobile Association - City of London Alderman Sir Maurice Jenks, and family - Sir Samuel George Shead Esq. who was appointed one of the two Sheriffs of London in 1915 - Sir Herbert Benjamin Cohen 2nd Baronet Cohen of Highfield - Colonel J.V. Delahaye, first president of the WOSB. Manuscript
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John Davis Britton
Manuscrip Diary with Drawings By an Englishman of His Travels to Germany, Belgium, Switzerland and France
Manuscript diary with several drawings, kept by an Englishman who travelled with his family to Germany, Belgium, Switzerland from 29 May 1867 - 15 June 1867, then to France from 1 June 1873 - 12 December 1874, relocating them for these 15 months to Normandy. Contains approximately 36 drawings, one which is a double-leaf scene pasted within, and a few botanical specimens mounted within. Accompanied by a travel itinerary with colour map detailing part of the first journey to the continent in 1867. 8vo. 2, 136, 156 pages. Brown leather boards, tooled front and back. Volume measures approximately 10 x 15 x 2 cm. Map/itinerary leaf measures 18 x 12,5 cm. Wear to boards especially at spine, front hinge delicate, otherwise in very good condition, an interesting Victorian diary. The writer is John Davis Britton, born on 28 December 1832 as revealed within the diary when he celebrates his 41st birthday at home in Vire. He is travelling with his wife Kitty, and children, at least five of whom are named - Lizzie, Aline, Ethel, Diddy, Dick. The delightful two-week travel to the continent features accounts of Lucerne at the dawn of tourism before most of today's historic hotels were even built, and highly favourable descriptions of Freiburg im Breisgau which has nothing short of enamoured the visitors. Manuscript
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Laura Simpson
Manuscript Commonplace Book, By a Young English Woman, Created at the York House, Malton, Where Charles Dickens Frequented.
Manuscript commonplace book created at the York House - where Charles Dickens reputedly wrote some of his novels - by a woman called Laura Simpson, daughter of Malton solicitor Alfred Simpson, Esq., who was also appointed Bailiff of the Borough of Malton in 1856 by 6th Earl Fitzwilliam, owner of the York House, the most important historic house in Malton. Miss Laura signs and dates the front endpaper on 30 August 1872, and again to its verso on 2 February 1873, though dated entries range from 1870 to 1875. 8vo. 68 pages featuring manuscript entries and newspaper clippings of various subject matters. Quarter calf over brown and yellow marbled boards. Volume measures approximately 16,5 x 19,5 cm. Very good condition. The volume was created by a young woman who evidently lived at York House in Malton which has an interesting connection to Charles Dickens from only twenty-five years earlier. Her father having close ties with the owner of the Fitzwilliam Malton Estate, it is quite conceivable that he met or knew the great author personally. Laura Simpson is the daughter of Alfred Simpson, Esq., a solicitor, Chairman of the Malton Burial Board, and Bailiff of the Borough of Malton, whose residence was at Yorkersgate, presumably being a tenant of the York House owing to the Simpson-Fitzwilliam family connection through an earlier marriage. York House is an impressive 17th century home in Malton where Charles Dickens reputedly wrote many of his novels, where he certainly found inspiration for some of his characters. The reason for Charles Dickens' association with Malton, and York House in particular, was his long friendship with Charles Simpson, solicitor. The Smithson family had their offices on Chancery Lane in Malton and they also shared a practice in London. The death of Charles Simpson's father in 1829, had necessitated his brother Henry to return to Malton and take over the family business, whereas Charles remained in London. It is whilst residing in London that Smithson & Dickens met. Thomas Mitton, a friend of Dickens had persuaded him to act as surety on a loan to purchase a one-third stake of Smithson & Dunn. In 1840, Henry followed his father and brother John to his grave. Charles was compelled to leave London and take over both the Chancery Lane practice and the duties of the town Bailiff previously carried out by his father and brother. Dickens visited Malton often in the 1840s. He delighted audiences with his readings wherever he went. He read in Malton, in what was said to be a theatre, on one of his visits. Manuscript
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Garlichs, Mr. and Mrs. Hermann and Adelheid
Manuscript Travel Journal of Mr. and Mrs. Garlichs, Founders of the First Church in Femme Osage, Depicting Life in Missouri America.
The original joint manuscript travel diary, from 1835 to1840, of Mr. and Mrs. Hermann and Adelheid Garlichs, who settled in America and became founders of the Evangelical congregations. 8vo. 50 pages in manuscript. In addition, inversely there are 18 pages in manuscript by the same two writers, the first entry with a date as early as 1796 and possibly made by Adelheid's mother. The center of the volume contains 6 pages of recipes written by a family member in 1873, the year of Adelheid's death. All text is in German. Black paper boards, with floral cameo surrounding Adelheid's initials A.v.B. and the year 1835 tooled in gilt to front. With the stamp of the Steinlacke von Borries family library to front pastedown. Volume measures approximately 20 x 17,5 x 1 cm. Some wear to boards, otherwise in very good condition, an important primary source account of emigration to Missouri. Hermann Garlichs (1807-1865) was a German theologian and pastor, first arriving in America in 1833. He founded the first Protestant congregations west of the Mississippi and was the first president of the "German Evangelical Church Association of the West" in the USA. He was married to Adelheid von Borries. The couple's life became the subject of emigration research. In Anglo-Saxon literature, his name is sometimes seen as to Herman Garlichs, or Garlich. He grew up in Bremen in a wealthy Protestant family home, his father being a merchant. After completing his doctorate in philosophy, he was employed as an educator on the Steinlake estate of the district administrator C. L. Philip of Borries, and fell in love the administrator's daughter of the house, Adelheid von Borries (1815-1873). In 1833, when Garlichs was invited to go to America, miss Borries was only 16. As such, he emigrated there without her, but with Meller and Westerkappelner emigrants. Garlichs was inspired by Gottfried Duden's well-known descriptions of the good conditions in Missouri at that time. Duden was a Prussian lawyer who visited St. Louis, Missouri, in 1824 in search of land tracts for German settlements. Both Duden and his traveling companion, Ludwig Eversmann, purchased farms about fifty miles west of St. Louis. Duden spent nearly three years in the United States, reading, exploring the country, and writing letters while the Americans that he hired cleared his land and ran his farm. Duden returned to Germany in 1827. The result of this experiment was Report on a Journey to the Western States of North America [Bericht u¨ber eine Reise nach den westlichen Staaten Nordamerika's], which was published in Germany in 1829 to convince Germans to immigrate to Missouri. Duden described the advantages of moving to Missouri, and further provided advice on how to successfully create a new life in the United States. Duden's book was one of a large number of German books about America, but his was one of the most widely read. Germans faced many problems at home, including corrupt rulers, high taxes, and a lack of available land, thus Duden's account of the spacious expanse of Missouri plains sound very enticing to his fellow countrymen. Together with a few other missionaries who would become notable in the history in America, he made the voyage and settled in Missouri. Garlichs founded the first Protestant congregations west of the Mississippi in 1833 before he was ordained, i.e. as a lay preacher, in the small towns of Femme Osage and St. Charles. Originally known as the Deutsche Evangelische Kirchegemeinde, it was the first Evangelical congregation west of the Mississippi River. It still stands today, and has two church cemeteries, the first dating back to the 1830's and located next to the present-day school. Femme Osage was the mother-church for six other congregations: Friedens (St. Charles, 1834), Harmonie (Warrenton, 1842), St. Peter (Washington, 1844), Immanuel (Holstein, 1839), St. John (Cappeln, 1857), and Bethany (Schluersburg, 1844). In 1835 Hermann Garlich returned to Westphalia, married Adelheid von Borries, and was ordained a priest in Bielefeld. He subsequently went back to Femme Osage with his new wife. Unlike most immigrants to Missouri at the time, in 1835 the Garlichs travelled to America as privileged passengers. Apart from the expected rough seas now and again, and Adelheid missing her family, the voyage was a pleasant one. The newlywed couple had a first class room, and dined with the captain. The ship carried only 119 passengers. They reported that the ship was supplied with 100 chickens, 2 pigs, 2 geese, pigeons and ducks for fresh meat. Adelheid studied English and discussed theology with her husband. Hermann entertained the other passengers by playing the violin. Their joint diary records a theatrical performance by the steerage passengers. Initially, the couple, like the other settlers, lived in very simple conditions in a wooden hut five miles from the town. The more elaborate Garlichs house, at Femme Osage, St. Charles County, MO, is now listed as a Historic American Building. Hermann Garlichs is buried at Green-Wood Cemetery in Kings County, Brooklyn, New York. He died at the young age of 58. The famed but elusive original volume - this is the joint diary of Hermann Garlichs and his wife Adelheid, made in their original hands, describing the voyage overseas, their arrival in America, settling in the unmissionized wilds of Missouri in hopes of a better life, and glimpses of daily life as it was for their first five years as founding evangelists in this vast land of opportunity and hope.
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Sir Richard Croft, Medical Baronet
Medical Manuscript Letter by a British Physician to King George III and the Royal Family, Describeing Complications of a Pregnancy Four Years Before the "Triple Obstetrical Tragedy.
Manuscript letter by Sir Richard Croft, Physician to King George III and the Royal Family, accoucheur (obstetrician), and British peer, describes complications of a pregnancy four years before the "triple obstetrical tragedy" Princess Charlotte which has become his unfortunate infamy. 8vo. 2 pages in manuscript. Double leaf measuring approximately 12 x 18,5 cm, watermarked with the year 1811, with integral address, two postal ink stamps and a lovely red wax seal. Very faint age-toning only to sections of the leaf exposed for mailing, otherwise in very good condition, beautifully preserved and highly relevant to the writer's occupation as a manmidwife and the complications of pregnancy and birthing in the early nineteenth century. "Sir Richard Croft (1762-1818) physician and man-midwife gained notoriety after his involvement in the labor of Princess Charlotte, which resulted in her death. He never shook off the shame of the tragedy, and shot himself three months later." (Oxford DNB). Manuscript signed letter from the Royal Physician and Male Midwife to the late Princess Charlotte, Sir Richard Croft, who is remembered for causing the "Triple Obstetrical Tragedy" of 1817, in which is a primary source account of early nineteenth century complications and precepts surrounding pregnancy and child deliveries. The writer is Sir Richard Croft, 6th Baronet (9 January 1762 - 13 February 1818), English physician to the British Royal Family and the obstetrician to Princess Charlotte, who is famed for his role in "the triple obstetrical tragedy" of her death in 1817. He received his medical training from, among others, his father-in-law, Dr. Thomas Denman, a preeminent obstetrician in London whose textbook on childbirth had been first published in 1788. He graduated with his MD from the University of Oxford in 1789. Croft was appointed the personal physician of King George III. He was also a member of the Medical and Chirurgical Society of London, and Physician to the Lying-in Charity on Old Burlington Street. He was the primary accoucheur or midwife to Princess Charlotte, granddaughter of the reigning King George III. Manuscript
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Anon.
Illustrated Latin Manuscript Leaf, Hand Painted With Symbolism of Anti-Slavery, Introducing an Early Work of Translation by a Franciscan Friar of the Third Order.
Manuscript leaf introducing an early work of translation by a Franciscan Friar of the Third Order, hand painted in full colour and featuring fascinating symbolism. Text is in Latin. Leaf measures approximately 34 x 49 cm. One soft fold, minor age-toning, otherwise in very good condition, a beautifully preserved hand painted document made at the turn of the 18th century. The present document suggests that as membership of the Franciscan Third Order grew rapidly, and no formal papal education was being received by those preaching in the streets, there was a need for some form of instruction or guidance. As such, some of the key and simple canonical documents began being written for the laymen/women to understand the principles. The symbolism features intimation of anti-slavery. Purposed with works of teaching the gospel, providing charity, and social well-being for the public, early members of the Franciscan Third Order were a community focused on truth and humility, striving to emulate Christ and model a pure life. The symbolism in the manuscript illustration of the present document is fascinating and enlightening, in particular the focal image top and center. This is an armorial motif depicting slavery, rather the Catholic church's purported desire to slavery. Unlike the standard Moor's head seen in the papal coat of arms seen since early days, the imagery here features an African tribal warrior chief, all seen but his legs, with a confident stance and holding a spear up high in declaration; this is drawn inside of a gold shield topped with the pope's mitre simplex headdress. As a whole, this could be interpreted as the Franciscan Third Order's support to abolish slavery. Some of the more common instances of symbolism are the red ribbons to signify the Blood which Christ, and the laurel leafs in a circular placement as in the ancient Greek custom of symbolising victory, honor, and peace, in this case being victory over sin, honor to the Holy one, and peace on earth. There are also two large gilt fleur-de-lis, which is often said to from 1244 in the arms of the Kings of France, although clearly used earlier as this document precedes the latter event by 40 years. In early Catholic-based examples such as the present leaf, the fleur-de-lis is believed to represent either the Trinity, or the lancehead of a spear such as which would have pierced the side of Jesus on the Cross. Manuscript
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English Engineer
Two Manuscript Diaries of an English Engineer in the Far Russian East, Contracted to Test and Repair Some of the Pioneering Steamships on the Rivers Amur and Shilka - with Large 1858 Fold-out Map
Nikolayevsk-on-Amur, Chita, Sretensk, Blagoveshchensk, TransBaikal villages, 17 May 1861 - 23 September 1880. Two manuscript journals of an English Engineer in Russian Far East, contracted to test and repair some of the pioneering steamships on the Rivers Amur and Shilka, and other important works in the Trans-Baikal region, beginning his work some 24 years before the founding of the Eastern Siberian Inland Navigation Company, and interacting several notables who were involved in the development projects. 8vo. The earliest volume comprises 113 pages of manuscript entries dating from 17 May 1861 to 22 July 1861 and then a few pages from and then from 1 January 1868 to 22 May 1870, with a tipped-in folding map of the Amur River. The subsequent volume contains 135 pages in manuscript and dates from 14 August 1876 to 23 September 1880. Cloth over marbled boards. Volumes measure approximately 19 x 24 cm and 17 x 20 cm, respectively. Map measures approximately 46 x 20 cm. Wear to boards, hinges loose, otherwise internally clean, an exceedingly scarce and early primary source account of early developments of steam navigation in the Far East of Russia. This account is very early for the region, particularly the inner reaches of the Amur river and its tributaries, where there were scarce inhabitants or even visitors, and thus are even fewer surviving manuscript accounts. It pre-dates the founding of the important "Eastern Siberian Inland Navigation Company" which would be founded in 1885, twenty-four years after the writer began his pioneering work. It also pre-dates the Trans-Siberian Railway which would be built between 1891 and 1916 under the supervision of Russian government ministers personally appointed by Tsar Alexander III and his son, the Tsarevich Nicholas (later Tsar Nicholas II). The writer's arrival occurs only three years after the Aigun Treaty in 1858, through which the area north of the Amur belonging to the Manchu Qing dynasty since the 1689 Treaty of Nerchinsk was suddenly ceded to Russia. The Amur River has formed Russia's border with China since the 1858 Aigun Treaty and the 1860 Treaty of Peking. A folding map compiled in 1858 according to contemporary Russian sources, delineates the winding route of the Amur River throughout the Russian-Chinese borderlands, from Lake Baikal, to the mountainous Transbaikal region, to the Sea of Okhotsk snd the Strait of Tartary. Manuscript
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Vice-Admiral Charles Gepp Robinson
Lot of 8 Original Admiralty Commission Documents, 1830-1849, Assigning Vice-Admiral Charles Gepp Robinson of Devon to Various Ships During His 19-Year Career in the Royal Navy.
Lot of 8 original Admiralty Commission documents, 1830-1849, assigning Vice-Admiral Charles Gepp Robinson of Devon to various ships during his 19-year career in the Royal Navy, five of which date to the reign of Queen Victoria. Eight (8) vellum certificates completed and signed in manuscript, five with red wax seal, 3 with paper seal, all with blue revenue stamp. Each measures approximately 28 x 32 cm. Age-toning, otherwise in very good condition, with notable signatures. Archive of official documents recording 19 years of one accomplished gentleman's naval career of Vice-Admiral Charles Gepp Robinson, who saw early service chasing slave ships around Africa and who is connected to the Shearwater Memorial, the lot featuring original signatures by notables such as John Barrow, M.F.F. Berkeley, Lord John Hay, J.W. Deans Dundas, Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy, Sir George Francis Seymour, and Sir Henry George Ward. Charles Gepp Robinson (1805-1875) R.N. was born in Appledore House, Devon. He joined the navy in 1819. For two years he was stationed in the North Sea. He then sailed the coasts of east and west Africa until 1829 searching for slave ships and indeed managed to capture three. From 1821-1826 he participated in the coastal survey of HMS Leven, commanded by W.F. Leven. Robinson then joined the Surveying Department working mainly in Scotland, Wales and the Mediterranean until 1856. He became a Rear-Admiral in 1864 and Vice-Admiral in 1871 and died at age 70 at his home in Oban. John Barrow, 1st Baronet, FRS FRGS FSA, Second Secretary to the Admiralty, has signed 4 of the documents in his original hand, the appointments to HMS Caledonia in 1830, HMS San Josef in 1831, HMS Gleaner in 1842, and HMS Shearwater in 1843. The 1831 commission to HMS San Josef is also signed by Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy, Baronet, Sea Lord and later Vice Admiral, who had commanded the flagships of Lord Nelson in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars. Also signing 4 of the documents is Admiral Maurice Frederick FitzHardinge Berkeley, 1st Baron FitzHardinge, GCB PC DL, who would later become became First Naval Lord. We find his signature on the appointments of San Josef in 1833, HMS Royal William 1846, HMS San Josef 1848, and HMS Impregnable 1849. Rear Admiral George Heneage Lawrence Dundas, CB, signs the commission to HMS San Josef in May 1833, only 15 months before being becoming First Naval Lord in in August 1834. The signature of Sir George Francis Seymour, GCB, GCH, PC, Third Naval Lord, also holding a seat at the Board of Admiralty, ratifies the 1843 commission for HMS Shearwater. Lord John Hay, GCB, (later First Naval Lord and Admiral of the Fleet), signs both the commissions to HMS Royal William in 1846 and San Josef in 1848. Sir Henry George Ward GCMG, then First Secretary of the Admiralty, signs the latest in the lot, assigning Robinson to the Royal William in 1846.
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Miss Todd
Primary Source Manuscript Account Featuring Pioneer Aviators Blériot - Védrines - LeBlanc - Bellenger Wright Brothers - Letterbook of an English Governess at Pau - the Center of Aviation
Pau, 16 September 1911 - 16 July 1912. Manuscript letterbook containing primary source, contemporary, information on notable early aviators and fascinating descriptions by a first-time observer of the new air travel inventions, written at Pau, France, the city where the Wright Brothers had established the first flying school in history just one year earlier, and where the aerospace industry was beginning to flourish, by Doris Dowser Todd, English Governess to Dr. Louis Goudard, a founder of the Société Médicale de Pau et du Béarn. In this volume, Miss Todd has transcribed her own letters, written to family, while in Pau, France. Towards the end of the volume she writes to a man of romantic interest. 8vo. 152 pages in manuscript. Burgundy cloth boards, initials and border blindstamped to front, ruled leaves with the globe motif watermark of Midland Educational Company Birmingham. Inserted within the volume: one contemporary theatre program, one draft letter, one personalia document dating to the Great War. Wear to boards, book block split at hinge, otherwise internally in very good condition, a delightful account in a neat hand, by an inquisitive and enthusiastic young lady. Manuscript
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Anon.
Manuscript Court Documents Pertaining to an American Merchant Ship Captured in 1801 by a Spanish Privateer and Recaptured Again by the American Crew.
Four manuscript court documents pertaining to an American merchant ship captured in 1801 by a Spanish Privateer while on a voyage to Barcelona and Malaga with valuable cargo, the subsequent recapture by the American crew, and claim for compensation from the salvage of her cargo. Three folio, one octavo, all single-leafs. Two documents are split at folds, one of which has very minor loss to text, otherwise the lot in very good condition, clean and legible, a most interesting record of the event and proceedings in the Admiralty Court. The American Brig Eliza, formerly Schooner Maria, whose homeport was Charleston and master was Captain Joseph Michael, was destined for Barcelona and Malaga in June 1801, with a cargo belonging to an American merchant named John Seamy. Near Tarifa, in Cádiz Province, on 10 July she was seized by Spanish privateers and ordered to the Port of Algeciras. While at anchor there, Captain Michael, with the help of his crew, in particular a Benjamin Hubble, managed to re-take the ship from the Spanish. They immediately proceeded across the Bay to Gibraltar with the intention of selling the ship and cargo for personal gain. Refusal to acquiesce to the Spanish privateers would have resulted in extreme retribution for the American captain and crew if they had not succeeded in their escape, as mentioned in the documents as a reason to disallow the captain of any monetary gains for the recovered vessel. There was also intense fighting around Gibraltar, involving the French, Spanish, and British, therefore the Spanish were well-positioned and well-armed. It was the Battle of Algeciras Bay taking place, having begun only 4 days earlier on 6 July 1801. (It would end on the 12th). Adding to the eminent danger for the Americans, when the United States had declared independence, British diplomats were quick to inform the Barbary States that U.S. ships were open to attack. In May 1801, some 6 weeks before the incident described in the present documents, the First Barbary War had begun, a war between the alliance of the United States and several European countries, against the Northwest African Muslim states known collectively as the Barbary States. Prior to independence, American colonists had enjoyed the protection of the British Navy. The British no longer offered protection. The Mediterranean Sea was now a precarious place for Americans to sail. On 4 December 1801, four members of the crew, Benjamin Huddle, Robert Sherington, Thomas William, William Sesten, engaged a proctor to recover the ship and her cargo. His compensation would be half of the value of the salvage. Following the recovery voyage, accusations flowed freely and, a few months later, in December 1801, a trial in the Admiralty Court ensued. The proctor presented his case for the claimants. The result of the trial is not identified herein, but can be assumed in favour of the claimants, based on the final document, which is a "release of all claims" by the ship's new captain, Nathan Ells, who was a mate under Captain Michael, employed on the ship during the event in question.
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Anon.
Two Signed Membership Documents Pertaining to the Acceptance of Monica Mary Cole, an English Geographer, into Two Scientific Societies.
Two signed membership documents formally accepting English geographer Monica Mary Cole into two scientific societies for the learned, the Royal Geographical Society and the Geologists' Association, respectively. 8vo. Two separate printed documents, three leafs combined, each document completed, signed and dated by the respective society's secretary. Leafs measure approximately 20,5 x 26 cm. Creasing to one document, otherwise in very good condition. Monica Mary Cole (1922-1994) was an English geographer, lecturer, and author, an intellectual woman and polyglot, whose legacy has been described by her colleagues as "a leader in her chosen field of academic research" who "scaled the heights of a profession that, even today, finds too few women as the incumbents of chairs." She left the Royal Geographical Society £10,000 for it to establish a research travel grant for young female physical geographists. The Archives of the Royal Holloway, University of London holds a collection of papers relating to Cole. They include her personal papers and objects connected to her career as a geographer between 1967 and 1970. During her distinguished career she produced pioneering works in the fields of biogeography and geobotany, remote sensing and terrain analysis, and mineral exploration. Her research spanned Central and Southern Africa, Brazil, Venezuela, Australia, China and Finland. Cole was not the archetypal quiet and contemplative academic. She was a larger-than-life character, and people loved to be around her. She was elected as a Fellow in the Royal geographical Society on 22 June 1942. The following year, on 6 December 1943, she also became an elected member of the Geologists' Association of London. The present documents are her official membership declaration papers from each of these societies. In 1947, Miss Cole was appointed geography lecturer under Bill Talbot at the University of Cape Town. She conducted a detailed land utilisation survey on the soils and crop yield affected by climate anomalies in Elgin, Western Cape, which was called "one of the most thorough and useful land utilization surveys carried out anywhere in South Africa" by Stanley Jackson, in The Geographical Journal.
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DIESEL, Rudolf
Signed Manuscript Letter in German By the Inventor of Diesel Engine, Concerning About the Installation of His Prototype Diesel Engine.
[Berlin], 22 February [1895]. Rudolf Diesel's retained copy of his own signed manuscript letter to Samuel Breslauer, following up on previous correspondence concerning the installation of his prototype diesel engine, during the design stage. Text is in German. 4to. Single leaf, 4 lines of text on onion skin paper measuring approximately 30 x 24 cm. Minor age-toning, otherwise in very good condition. Rudolf Christian Karl Diesel (1858-1913), needing no introduction, was a German inventor and mechanical engineer who is world-famous for having invented the Diesel engine. At the time of this letter, Diesel was diligently working on altering and perfecting his 1893 engine design. This design would later be known as the diesel engine. The first prototype Motor 150/400, had been completed 12 July 1893. Initial tests proved it to be a successful concept. By October 1895, after the first prototype had been converted into the second prototype Motor 220/400, it had become clear that, a completely new engine had to be designed from scratch. On 20 February 1896, Krupp, Maschinenfabrik Augsburg, and Diesel, decided to start the development of the new engine. The new engine was supposed to be a 250 mm bore engine with a 400 mm stroke. On 5 March 1896, Diesel filed a patent application for supercharging; on 26 March, it was decided to build the new engine with a supercharger. In order to improve the efficiency of the development process, a new design bureau was built directly into Diesel's Augsburg testing laboratory. Several young engineers worked there, including Imanuel Lauster. On 30 April 1896, after Lauster had completed the drawings, the workshop at Augsburg began making parts for the engine. The first successful Diesel engine Motor 250/400, designed by Rudolf Diesel, was officially tested in 1897 by German industrial engineer Moritz Schröter. Schröter concluded, "we are beholding a quite marketable machine that has been thoroughly designed with great attention to every single detail." At this time, several firms bought licences for building legal copies of the Motor 250/400. It is now on display at the German Technical Museum in Munich. The recipient of the correspondent is Samuel Breslauer (1870-1942), a lawyer, journalist and editor, who rose to be head of the Politics department for the Berlin newspaper "Berliner Lokal Anzeiger", a daily newspaper with one of the highest national circulations of its time. Breslauer is remembered as one of the numerous Jews who were captured and deported camp during the holocaust. Surely his public role would have made him an immediate target by the German extremist leader. In August 1942, Breslauer and his wife Bertha were taken to the Theresienstadt concentration camp where they both died, she within four days.
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Diesel, Rudolf
Signed Manuscript Letter in German By the Inventor of Diesel, Concerning the Installation of a Gas Engine.
Rudolf Diesel's retained copy of his own signed manuscript letter to Samuel Breslauer, concerning the installation of a gas engine. Text is in German. 4to. Two single leafs, 2 pages of text on onion skin paper measuring approximately 30 x 24 cm. Minor age-toning, otherwise in very good condition. In this correspondence, Diesel describes alterations being made to the design of his first prototype, making comments on the compressor, transmission, and the lighting system (ignition), among other things. The second prototype, described here, would be built by October the same year. The specific plan for this engine model is noted in the upper margin: Plan F.B.930. Rudolf Christian Karl Diesel (1858-1913), needing no introduction, was a German inventor and mechanical engineer who is world-famous for having invented the Diesel engine. At the time of this letter, Diesel was diligently working on altering and perfecting his 1893 engine design. This design would later be known as the diesel engine. The first prototype Motor 150/400, had been completed 12 July 1893. Initial tests proved it to be a successful concept. By October 1895, after the first prototype had been converted into the second prototype Motor 220/400. After testing, and always seeking to improve, again it was decided that a completely new engine had to be designed from scratch. On 20 February 1896, Krupp, Maschinenfabrik Augsburg, and Diesel, decided to start the development of the new engine. The new engine was supposed to be a 250 mm bore engine with a 400 mm stroke. On 5 March 1896, Diesel filed a patent application for supercharging; on 26 March, it was decided to build the new engine with a supercharger. In order to improve the efficiency of the development process, a new design bureau was built directly into Diesel's Augsburg testing laboratory. Several young engineers worked there, including Imanuel Lauster. On 30 April 1896, after Lauster had completed the drawings, the workshop at Augsburg began making parts for the engine. The first successful Diesel engine Motor 250/400, designed by Rudolf Diesel, was officially tested in 1897 by German industrial engineer Moritz Schröter. Schröter concluded, "we are beholding a quite marketable machine that has been thoroughly designed with great attention to every single detail." At this time, several firms bought licences for building legal copies of the Motor 250/400. It is now on display at the German Technical Museum in Munich. The recipient of the correspondent is Samuel Breslauer (1870-1942), a lawyer, journalist and editor, who rose to be head of the Politics department for the Berlin newspaper "Berliner Lokal Anzeiger", a daily newspaper with one of the highest national circulations of its time. Breslauer is remembered as one of the numerous Jews who were captured and deported camp during the holocaust. Surely his public role would have made him an immediate target by the German extremist leader. In August 1942, Breslauer and his wife Bertha were taken to the Theresienstadt concentration camp where they both died, she within four days.
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Anon.
Japanese Manuscript Account, with Large Ink Drawing, Regarding the Great Consternation Among the Japanese Civilians on the Arrival of Commodore Perry's Ships at Uraga in July 1853.
Manuscript document together with linen backed drawings. Document is 11 pages written recto and verso to six folded leaves string-tied at margin, measuring approximately 28,5 x 18,5 cm. Drawings are folded leaf measuring approximately 64 x 43 cm, accompanied by a related diagram on a single leaf measuring approximately 27 x 40 cm. The manuscript document describes the great consternation among the Japanese civilians, upon the arrival of Commodore Perry's four American ships at Uraga in July 1853, and the warlords' immediate action to guard the coast. Together with a large manuscript ink drawing depicting the "black ships", and an accompanying drawing of a barrel transport method. All text is in Japanese. Minor creasing and age-toning, otherwise items are in very good condition, beautifully preserved contemporary documentation by a Japanese civilian observing the events as they unfolded. A contemporary advisory of utmost urgency alerting Japanese civilians of the arrival of four formidable American vessels and the immediately appointment of warlords to protect the nation from invasion. The manuscript begins by reporting the arrival at Uraga in Edo Bay [Tokyo Bay] on 8 July 1853 of Commodore Perry and his four "Black Ships" [war steamships Susquehanna and Mississippi, sailing sloops Plymouth and Saratoga]. Details of the ships are given, including size, one estimated at 45 ken [approximately 82 metres], number of masts, firing canons, and so forth. The writer describes the ensuing panic among Japanese civilians, at Uraga and as far as Shinagawa, which is now part of Tokyo. [The news was travelling fast by word of mouth along the coast and trade routes, and began being illustrated with the "kawaraban" - broadsides with woodblock prints - for distribution. Naturally, Edo commoners were curious to learn about the imposing vessels that suddenly appeared within sight of their city.] He goes on to further explain that the Feudal Lords feared of an imminent and much larger attack by a foreign power, and the final section includes a list of warlords assigned to the vital responsibility of coastal guard duty. [The Japanese had no navy with which to defend themselves. The Americans were there to impose a trade agreement, and the opening of Japanese ports to U.S. merchant ships. This was the era when all Western powers were seeking to open new markets for their manufactured goods abroad, as well as finding more raw materials for their growing industries. Perry's small squadron itself was not enough to force the massive changes that subsequently took place in Japan, but the Japanese knew that his ships were just the beginning of Western interest in their islands. Russia, Britain, France, and Holland indeed followed Perry's example and used their fleets to influence Japan into signing treaties granting regular relations and trade. [Perry's vessels imposingly sailed into Edo Bay and his crew began surveying the surrounding area. The Japanese were shaken by this unprecedented and brazen conduct. After Perry's departure, an extensive debate ensued within the Shogunal court on how to respond to the American's implied threats. Shogun Tokugawa Ieyoshi died within a few short days, and was succeeded by his sickly young son, Tokugawa Iesada, leaving effective administration in the hands of the Council of Elders (roju) led by Abe Masahiro. Abe felt that at the time it was impossible for Japan to resist the American demands by military force, so he polled all of the daimyos (magnates and feudal lords) for their opinions. Of the 61 known responses, 19 were in favor of accepting the American demands, 19 were equally opposed, 14 gave vague responses expressing concern of possible war, 7 suggested making temporary concessions, and 2advised that they would simply go along with whatever was decided. The only universal recommendation was that steps be taken immediately to bolster Japan's coastal defenses. As revealed in the present document, one of the earliest steps was to assign the feudal lords to coastal defense. Fortifications were hurriedly built close to current day Odaiba in order to protect Edo from a subsequent American naval incursion. The Japanese ultimately agreed to the demands. Although many leaders wanted the foreigners expelled from the country, in 1854 a treaty was signed between the United States and Japan which, allowed trade at two ports.]
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Anon
Rare Slavery Document: Wisselbrief [Bill of Exchange, Promissory Note].
A numbered (278) and printed document granting financial compensation to a slave owner in Suriname, by the Dutch government, signed in the original by numerous parties including the Gouverneur de Kolonie Suriname [Governor of Suriname] Van Lansberge, the Administrateur van Financienvan Het Ministerie van Kolonien te s-Gravenhague [Finance Administrator for the Ministry of the Colonies, at The Hague], and the recipient of the funds who is not only a slave owner but well-known chirurgeon A.D. Charlouis. Text is in Dutch. With steel engraved colonial coat of arms, official ink stamps, the embossed stamp of the "Klein Kolonie Suriname" government. Single leaf measuring approximately 26,5 x 13 cm. Very good condition, beautifully preserved, a scarce and historical slavery document with notable signature. The present document is interesting, as is was made almost two years after the official abolition of slave ownership in Suriname, which reveals the lengthy time period over which this process was stretched. The government's primary concern was not the freedom of the enslaved people; it was the preservation of the plantation economy, lest there be a mass exodus of workers leaving the plantations. The latter was cited as the reason and justification for the mandatory employment contract which accompanied 'free status' of a slave. Chirurgeon Andries Daniel Charlouis (Emden, Lower Saxony 1820 - Paramaribo, Suriname 1880) is the recipient of this compensation. Historical evidence reveals that he had more slaves than what is represented with this document, and that he released them gradually. He was well-known in the field of medical science, particularly for his studies on medicinal matters and the indigenous people of South America; his name appears in numerous medical journals of the period. Reinhart Frans Cornelius van Lansberge (1804-1873), whose signature authorizes this document, was the Governor-General of Suriname from 1 August 1859 to 29 June 1867. Slavery was abolished in the Dutch West Indies during his governorship. Previous to this post, he was Governor of Curacao from 1855 to 1859, and formerly Dutch Consul-General Venezuela. Doctor Charlouis, whose original signature is found to verso, received 1935 guilders with this promissory note effective 15 August 1865. This figure represents the release of approximately 6 slaves. A manuscript annotation to upper left margin, penned in a West Germanic language, refers to the abolition act: "Opheffing der slavernij... 1863" [Elimination of slavery... 1863]. Red ink annotations reveal that this document was registered on 16 September 1865, and signed by a Geregistreerde referendaris J.C. Jaunen [registered secretary]. Additional annotations to the upper margin suggest that the funds were cashed in on 16 October 1865 "Betaalbaar te Amsterdam" [paybale to Amsterdam]. Also interesting to note, two of the signed annotations to verso, those of Charlouis and a witness, make reference to German plantation owner, banker Wilhelm Eduard Ruhmann at Paramaribo. As such, this transaction was most likely transacted at Surinaamsche Bank which had been founded earlier the same year, and the funds dispatched from there to the Dutch government in The Netherlands. The Netherlands abolished the Atlantic slave-trade in 1814. However, localized slavery continued for over half a decade. Slavery was finally abolished in Suriname and the Dutch West Antilles on 1 July 1863 with the Emancipation Act. On that day, about 35,000 slaves in Suriname and 12,000 slaves on the Dutch islands in the Caribbean were given their freedom, or rather a modified version of freedom. Freed men in Suriname come under state supervision for ten years with a mandatory employment contract on the plantations. The slave owners received financial compensation from the government upon releasing their slaves to this system. The Dutch government paid 300 guilders per slave to the owner for the "lost property". (In the Dutch East Indies, payments were far lower, 50 to 350 guilders depending on the age of the slave). The abolition of slavery was referred to as 'emancipation'. Parties were organized in which King William III was presented as a key figure and benefactor of the freed slaves.
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Anon
Rare Japanese Manuscript: [Kaei Ni-nen Tori-uru Shi-gatsu: Angeria-sen Toraiki. "Record of the Arrival of a Ship from Anglia, Fourth Month of 1849"]
Manuscript record of the unexpected arrival of the British HMS Mariner led by Commander Charles Mitchell Mathison in Japan, in 1849, with interest in making surveys around Edo (Tokyo), four years prior to Commodore Perry's arrival, and during Japan's period of isolation (Sakoku) during which most foreigners were prohibited entry in to the country and locals prohibited exit; containing also a description of Japanese castaway Otokichi who was on the British vessel, disguised as a Chinese to evade capital punishment, who later assisted Admiral James Stirling in establishing the 1854 Anglo-Japanese Friendship Treaty. Text is in Japanese. 8vo. 44 pages in manuscript, plus title page, on 23 unpaginated double leaves. Traditional karitoji binding ("semi-bound" meaning title page and contents without a book cover) string-stitched at spine, fukurotoji style ("bound-pocket" with folded leafs bound into spine), and opening from left to right. Complete in a single volume, measuring approximately 24 x 17 cm. A scant few ink marks to rear leaf margin, indication of some burrowing, unobtrusive to legibility, otherwise in very good condition, beautifully preserved, clean and bright, an exceedingly scarce work. Certainly an assertive manoeuvre, for the British to show up unannounced in the harbour of Edo, Japan was in the state of Sakoku ("locked country"), the isolationist foreign policy of the Tokugawa shogunate under which relations and trade between Japan and other countries were severely limited, and nearly all foreign nationals were barred from entering Japan, while common Japanese people were kept from leaving the country. The long-standing policy had been in place for over two centuries, since 1603, and would last a few more years after the departure of HMS Mariner. It was Commodore Perry in 1853, and his equally brazen arrival with his American Black Ships, that would force the opening of Japan to American trade through a series of treaties called the Convention of Kanagawa, ultimately ending the island's declaration of Sakoku, and facilitating other trade relations with Western nations. On 14 October, 1854, the first limited Anglo-Japanese Friendship Treaty was signed by Admiral Sir James Stirling and representatives of the Tokugawa shogunate (Bakufu). Yamamoto Otokichi (1818-1867), who was onboard HMS Mariner disguised as a Chinese interpreter during the ship's attempted entry in Japan, later played an instrumental role in establishing this treaty, providing Stirling with intel on language and culture during the negotiations. On 26 August 1858, the Anglo-Japanese Treaty of Amity and Commerce was signed by the Scotsman Lord Elgin and representatives of the Tokugawa shogunate for Japan, after the Harris Treaty was concluded. Britain obtained extraterritorial rights on Japanese with the British Supreme Court for China and Japan, in Shanghai. A British iron paddle schooner named Enpiroru was presented to the Tokugawa administration by Bruce as a present for the Emperor from Queen Victoria. A scarce compilation of records from the Japanese perspective on a pre-Perry interaction between Bakufu authorities and a British ship, with references to Otokichi. This manuscript collates four Japanese reports of the British ship the HMS Mariner, which arrived in Japan from Shanghai in May of 1849 to make a topographical survey of the area around Edo (modern-day Tokyo), led by Commander Charles Mitchell Mathison, who had entered the Royal Navy on 5 August 1819. The event marks a very early British appearance at Japan, also pre-dating by four years the imposing arrival of Commodore Perry and his American Black ships also intent on making surveys. The first record briefly describes the layout of the Mariner and the aim of its visit to Japan. It also mentions the considerable Japanese language abilities of the Chinese interpreter on board who explained things in a way that is easy to understand, he in fact being the Japanese castaway Yamamoto Otokichi (1818-1867). The second section records foreign ship sightings from daimyo with guardhouses on the Miura Peninsula. [daimto were the most powerful landholding magnates holding the largest sections of land] The third report describes the meeting of Commander Mathison and the Bakufu intendant Egawa Tarozaemon (1801-1855), a dispute over a map of Japan, and Japanese observations of the ship and the crew. The last report is a copy of Isenokami Abe's (Masahiro Abe: 1819-1857) message to the bugyo (magistrates) and metsuke (censors/inspectors) in which, with HMS Mariner in mind, he expresses concern about the increase in the number of foreign ship arrivals in recent years and the abandoning of the Edict to Repel Foreign Ships. Abe notes that if the edict is enforced again, while there is no illegality on the part of the foreign ships, a dispute could arise, thus cautioning the noble families on the coast to prepare defenses. [Only a few years after the arrival of HMS Mariner, Isenokami would play a major role in the signing of the Convention of Kanagawa, as a result of pressure from the Perry Expedition.]
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Hayashi Shihei
Rare Japanese Manuscript, One of the Earliest Desciptions of Korea. [Sangoku Tsuran Zusetsu.]
Exceedingly rare and historically significant manuscript complete with manuscript drawings, made circa 1792, transcribing the banned controversial work by Hayashi Shihei which attributed coveted geographical regions to non-Japanese sovereigns, and which led the author to house arrest and his works destroyed by the Shogun. This work centers largely around the indigenous Ainu people and the people living in the Joseon Dynasty (Korea), thus being a very early account of Korea. All text is in Japanese. Author-published. 89 pages in manuscript including title page and end leaf. Indication of once being string-stitched at spine, opening from left to right. Leafs measure approximately 19 x 26 cm. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF WORM BURROWING, some leaves lightly fused together as a result, MAPS NOT PRESENT, nonetheless a valuable historic addition for any library, being an exceedingly scarce surviving manuscript of the famous "Sangoku Tsuran Zusetsu" by Hayashi Shihei. One of the earliest attempts to define Japan's outer boundaries, and distinguish it from the neighboring nations, the book deals with Joseon Dynasty (Korea) and the Kingdom of Ryukyu (Okinawa), and Ezo (Hokkaido) and the Ogasawara Islands (Bonin Islands). The content of this work is as controversial today as it was when it was released by the author 235 years ago. A statue of Hayashi Shihei stands in his honour, however, in Kotodai Park, Sendai. This work was emphatically criticized, immediately banned, and destroyed by the shogunate, all but a very scant few copies, that is, which were kept in hiding by scholars who took it upon themselves to secretly transcribe the important writings, with the original in hand. This is one of those surviving secret manuscripts, which were so very few in number and are exceedingly scarce. Hayashi Shihei (1738-1793) was a Japanese military scholar, political theorist, military strategist, writer, and a retainer of the Sendai Domain. He was a samurai of the Sendai clan issued in 1785 (Tenmei 5). His name is sometimes transliterated, according to the Sino-Japanese reading, as Rin Shihei’'. Hayashi is known as one of the "Three Excelling Men of the Kansei Period" (Kansei no san-kijin). Circa 1785 he wrote the highly controversial "Sangoku Tsuran Zusetsu" [Illustrated General Survey of the Three Countries] which consisted of five maps and one text volume which detailed the customs of Korea, Ryukyu Kingdom, and Ezo country (Hokkaido), recounting an exploratory geographical survey of the regions that were then the frontiers of Japan, including Korea, Hokkaido, and the Ryukyu Islands, also providing descriptions of the inhabitants, including the Ainu. It contained, among other repugnant content in the eyes of the shogun, the attribution of Korean sovereignty over the Dokdo / Takeshima / Liancourt archipelago, and secondly, Chinese sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands [Diaoyu Islands] instead of recognizing it as part of the Ryukyu Kingdom (which had been a vassal state of the Satsuma Domain of Japan with 'de jure' status since 1609). Not a single publisher dared to put their name on the work, for fear of retribution, and thus, Hayashi released it independently in the years of 1787-1791, at his own expense. In 1792 [Kansei 4], the Tokugawa shogunate evaluated the content of this book, declared it a delusion, and banned it. The printings of Sangoku Tsuran Zusetsu also became collateral victim of this banning. Almost all the original woodblock-printed versions of Sangoku Tsuran Zusetsu were collected and destroyed. In 1787, he had published a second work of enlightened perspective and concern, titled ???? "Kaikoku Heidan" [Military Defense of a Maritime Nation]. This was a 16-volume work which brought to light the potential inadequacy in the military defense of Japan during the Edo period, specifically highlighting the island's vulnerability from the sea, as well as the need for Japan to adopt Western military science for improved defenses along Japanese frontiers, and the re-education of the samurai. Hayashi believed the nation's crisis was due to the repeated arrivals of foreign ships. He complained of a lack of organized drill exercises, and stressed the importance of choren, or teamwork drill, rather than mere individual martial training. He gave technical descriptions about shipbuilding, cannons and other military designs. He was especially critical of the Shogunate's sakoku national isolation policy. The work generated great interest, but it too, was banned in May 1792, on the grounds that national security matters were being discussed without official consent. This work having been published a few years prior, it was impossible to locate and destroy all printed copies, but the woodblocks were seized and destroyed with those of Sangoku Tsuran Zusetsu. Simultaneously, as his two works were banned and destroyed, Hayashi was placed under house arrest. He died the following year, 28 July 1783, at the young age of 54. There were rumours of suicide and speculations of decapitation by authorities, but no evidence for either has surfaced. Ironically, shortly after Hayashi was punished, a Russian ship arrived in Nemuro, and the shogunate was forced to take measures to protect the coast, as had been suggested in Hayashi's "Kaikoku Heidan". In spite of the shogunate's best efforts, a scant few of 'Sangoku Tsuran Zusetsu' survived, thanks to a handful of audacious erudite men, and manuscript transcripts of his maps began to circulate covertly in learned Japanese circles. This book also went from Nagasaki to Holland and Germany through Katsuragawa Hoshu (1751-1809), who was a physician to the Shogun from 1777 and an Edan scholar in Edo; it was subsequently translated into European languages in Russia. In 1872, it was translated into French by the German Oriental scholar Heinrich Klaproth. Shugun Tokugawa Ienari, who suppressed and destroyed these works, and who exiled the author to his home, reigned from 1787-1837. In the first year of his reign there were rice riots in Edo and Osaka. Later tragedy, the Great Fire of Kyoto and the Tenpo famine took place. And in his strict fashion, in 1817 he ordered the expulsion of Titia Bergsma, the first European woman to visit Japan. The Dutch and Chinese were allowed to visit the country, but only for trade, and no women were permitted. Bergsma never saw her husband again. Credit to Pierre Joppen of Paulus Swaen Gallery, whose research on the subject is exhaustive and from whom some of the above content has been copied.
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Tojo Kindai, Abe Rekisai, et al.
Large Woodcut Watercoloured Map Illustrating the Remote and Mostly Uninhabited Nanpo and Ogasawara Archipelagos
English translation of map title: [The Complete Map of the Seven Islands of Izu with a Map of the Eighty Uninhabited Islands.] Large woodcut watercoloured map titled to illustrate the remote and mostly uninhabited Nanpo and Ogasawara archipelagos, lying some 1000 kilometers south of Tokyo, of the important and banned map produce jointly by scholar and official Tojo Kindai and Abe Rekisai, from a limited run of 500 maps printed in 1848, for private distribution, not for sale to the public owing to the Tempo reform which oppressed any interest in subject matters concerning Western interests (Hawaiians and westerners were inhabiting the island). Kindai was imprisoned and subsequently exiled from Edo for the publication of the map; Rekisai was a promoter of Japanese settlement of the Bonin islands and it appears that he may have been spared from persecution. Folded and mounted to two striped cardstock boards at two ends for neat storage, also giving it the appearance of a typical Japanese book for concealing the content. Title, legend, placenames, and detailed descriptions, are all in Japanese. Map measures approximately 105 x 76 cm, folding into sleeve for safe storage at approximately 25 x 18 cm. Some age-toning, title label to boards worn, reinforced to one fold, otherwise in very good condition, beautifully preserved, with lovely colour accents, extensive detail, and retianing a strong impression. A rare surviving woodcut map that was banned by the shogunate. Tojo Kindai (1795-1878) was a Confucian scholar, calligrapher and cartographer active in Edo, where he was born, during the mid-nineteenth century. He studied under Ota Kinjo and Kameda Pengsai, and later served the Fukushima Daimyo. His aim with the production of this map was to illustrate the strategic importance of the Bonin islands, but by doing so, revealed secret information, essentially information about Western civilians and their successful agragarian activites on the islands. Knowledge of western ways was strictly prohibited. He was gaoled for seven months, then exiled from Edo for eight years after producing the map, which centered on the coveted southern islands that would become Japan's first overseas colony only fourteen years later (still during his lifetime). Ironically, criminals in Edo were often confined on Hachijojima island (in which he clearly took interest) or Miyakejima of the nearby Izu island group, especially political prisoners such as Kindai would have been labeled. Abe Rekisai (1805-1870), also known as Abe Yoshito, Abe Tomonoshin, and Hashukuen, born in the Toshima District of Edo, was a Japanese botanist, herbalist and author who published many works, with subjects on horticulture, botany, and even social conflict resolution. In 1856 he published geographic descriptions of Hokkaido where Abe Sho¯nin, his ancestor, twice visited to collect medicinal plants, commissioned by the Shogunate government (Bakufu). A most fascinating map produced twenty years before Japan's Tokugawa (Edo) shogunate had claimed the Nanpo and Ogasawara archipelagos lying some 1000 kilometers south of Tokyo in 1862, the islands are named, and communication routes between them are clearly indicated. Mountain ranges are also shown, both on and around the islands. It was the height of the Tempo reform of 1841-1843 when Kindai first published the map, a highly risky endeavour with the economic and political reform that dealt a sweeping blow to the publishing industry. Resolute and unflappable, Kindai continued to seek out more information on the subject, and again printed a small number of his map, slightly revised, in 1848. It too, was banned by the shogunate, who undoubtedly gathered and destroyed all copies they could find, a common practice of the day, which yet again inspired and necessitated scholars to become clandestine transcribers of important works. For his map, now produced twice and deemed "an act of political agitation," Kindai found himself in violation of strict prohibitions against the publication of coastal maps, a rule motivated by security concerns of the isolationists. As such, after printing 500 woodcut copies of the slightly revised version in 1848, again for private distribution, he was discovered, tried in court, sent to a gaol for seven months, and began a criminal sentence that banished him from Edo for eighteen years (Kokushi daijiten.) The present map is an exceedingly scarce limited woodcut print which survived the shogunate's "ban and destroy" campaign while Kindai sat in the gaol.
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Anon.
Manuscript Watercolour Map Illustrating the Village of Ashinazawa Tamayamababa and Its Environs, Depicting Japanese Samurai Horse Breeding Grounds
Large manuscript watercoloured map to illustrate the village of Ashinazawa Tamayamababa and its environs (in present-day Morioka, Iwate Prefecture), showing lands used by samurai of the ruling Nanbu Clan for raising and breeding horses, also highlighting three mountains in relief by way of tipped-in folding cutouts. Place names and text is in Japanese. Signed in manuscript by a Samurai named Sakura Baba, as well as three other notable officials. Map measures approximately 135 x 82 cm. Some creasing, otherwise in very good condition, a very unique manuscript painted map from the feudal Morioka Domain. The village shown is Ashinazawa Tamayamababa, situated within 30 km from Morioka, which was then the Morioka Domain (Morioka-han), a tozama feudal domain of Edo period, under the rule of the Nanbu Clan (Nanbu-shi) of samurai whose territory spanned most of northeastern Honshu in the Tohoku region. [Today, Morioka (Morioka-shi) is the capital city of Iwate Prefecture located in the Tohoku region of northern Japan. Ashinazawa is considered part of the Morioka district.] Ashinazawa Tamayamababa is also near, only 90 km, from Kakunodate (in present-day Akita Prefecture), also a former castle town and samurai stronghold. While Kakunodate Castle no longer remains, the town is famous for its samurai tradition and its hundreds of weeping cherry trees (shidarezakura). Apart from the loss of its castle, Kakunodate remains remarkably unchanged since its founding in 1620. The town was built with two distinct areas, the samurai district and the merchant district. Once home to 80 families, the samurai district still has some of the best examples of samurai architecture in all of Japan. Among the hills and near the village, some rather expansive horse-breeding fields are drawn on the map, presumably belonging to or at least managed by the Nanbu-shi samurai who signed the document. The horses would have been used by samurai warriors for military equestrianism, including bajutsu (a distinct form of martial art), for yabusame (mounted archery), and other practices of skilled battle on horse-back. Three mountains illustrated two-dimentionally, are all stratovolcanos forming part of the Ou Mountain range in the Tohoku region of northern Honshu. They appear to be illustrating Mount Iwate - the active volcano situated only 22 km from Ashinazawa, Mount Hachimantai - the highest peak in the Ou Mountains and only 46 km from Ashinazawa, and the active stratovolcano Akita-Komagatake located some 70 km from Ashinazawa. In red paint, several roadways are delineated, one of them reaching and following the summit line of one of the mountains. At the head of one of these roads, is a drawing of a cherry blossom trees, and an inscription which likely reads 'sakura', the term for of a group of cherry blossom trees, collectively. The flow of the Kakkonda and Shizukuishi rivers into the Kitakami is traced from the hills. In the distance, on the opposite side of the mountain ranges, a larger river is drawn, depicting the wider Tama River, which would eventually lead to Lake Tazawa. The Akita-Komagatake region is exceptionally lush, with several hundred species of alpine flora and would surely be an excellent place for horses to graze. Mount Hachimantai is especially characterized with hot springs, possibly being used as a source of warm water for cleaning or healing. In general, the vast region would be superb as a horse breeding ground. Horsemanship was an important duty and respected skill of the samurai. There were two classes of Samurai, and only upper-class samurai were allowed horses, although the lower class samurai who could find a way to possess their own horse, did so, with the belief that every samurai should have the honour and the benefit. Being on horse-back aided in part to best perform archery, spearmanship, and swordsmanship in battle. Horse-mounted samurai often fought by charging their horses at their opponent, in some cases causing a collision that would unbalance or even injure the other's steed.
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HUXLEY, Henry Minor
Five Manuscript Letters from the American Archaeological Expedition To Middle East in which he discusses Stone Inscription Discovery which were subsequently Concealed
Beirut, Damascus, Hama, Bhamdoun: 28 February 1900 - June 1901. Lot of 5 manuscript letters written and signed by Harvard anthropologist Henry Minor Huxley, concerning anthropological work performed for the Howard Crosby Butler Archaeological Expedition to the Middle East, as well as a noteworthy archaeological discovery of an ancient and curious stone inscription, its location guarded with secrecy by the few expedition members having this knowledge. 8vo. double-leafs varying in size. 24 pages combined, each letter signed in the original. Two letters are on hotel stationery. Occasional light creasing, otherwise in very good condition, clean and bright, a fascinating and candid primary source account. Writing to a trusted source, his mother, Huxley's reveals the discovery of an ancient inscription carved into an overturned stone, in a language possibly not yet identified, stating that he took the first photograph of it, and that only a select few expedition members are privy to knowing its location. His commentary on experiences with the local civilians and officials are straightforward and occasionally blunt. Henry Minor Huxley, A.M. accepted the offer to join the American Archaeological Expedition led by American archaeologist Howard Crosby Butler. The first part of the archaeological work took place from mid-October to mid-December 1899, and a second trip was made for continued work from March to June, 1900. In the summer of 1900, he was devoted to acquiring a working knowledge of the vernacular Arabic. Huxley's work, however, involved a broader scope. During this second trip, he was also tasked with the study of physical anthropology, as is apparent in the present correspondence. This work proved so valuable that Huxley, owing to the patronage of New York businessman and archeological enthusiast B.T. Babbitt Hyde, remained for another year to further these anthropological observations, independently. What does not appear to be officially documented in publications, but is highly fascinating, is what Huxley writes in his last letter of the present lot. That is, in June 1901, just prior to returning to America, he alone returned to the site of a stone inscription discovered during the earlier part of the expedition (presumably in 1899), to copy it, photograph it, and turn it back face down so that no others would see it. This would increase the likelihood that he and one other would have a better chance of being the first to decipher it.
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Parke-Bernet Galleries
Autographs & Signed Photographs Including the Cornelius Greenway Historical Collection of Inscribed Photographs. Part Two the XXth Century
This is a very good softcover copy with just light cover wear. Completely clean inside and out. This is a sale catalog for an auction held at Parke-Bernet Galleries in New York on May 4, 1971. Sale number: 3201. This is Part Two only. 459 lots in the sale. Many illustrated in black & white. Prices realized sheets included. 10" high X 7" wide, 69 pages. This book will be securely packed and shipped with tracking.
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Vennet-Smith T.
Cricket memorabilia, theatre, programmes, cinema posters & ephemera autographs and postcards : to be sold at action on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9th, 10th & 11th July, 1996 at the grandstand, Nottingham Racecourse, Colwick, Nottingham
Auction catalogue. VG paperback.9355. eng
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Charon and Commendeur
Catalogue d'une belle collection de lettres autographes, dont la vente aura lieu le 5 fevrier 1844 et jours suivants, a 6 heures du soir
The auction catalogue of an excellent private collection of autgraph letters. Includes outstanding letters by La Fontaine, Beethoven, Bernini, Rubens, Sully, Descartes, Diderot, Calvin, La Rochefoucauld, Rousseau, Charles V, Robespierre, Richelieu, Machiavelli, Racine, Louis XIV, and many other prominent literary, artistic, and political figures. 90 pp., 482 items described. Printed on fine wove paper. Tall 8vo. Original wraps. Entirely uncut. Wraps worn at spine. Internally bright and fine. Early auction catalogues of autograph collections, like this one, are quite rare.
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Richter, Gerhard
original photograph [with] autograph signature (two separate items, offered together).
A penetrating black & white photograph (12.7 x 13.8 cm) of Richter at about age 40 a bold autograph ink signature on a neatly cut rectangle of extremely fine, handmade paper (7.5 x 8.5 cm). Ideal for framing. Both items in perfect condition.
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Wilson, Harold
Signed photograph of Harold Wilson
Photograph (13.9 x 9 cm) of two-time British prime minister Harold Wilson. SIGNED BY WILSON IN INK UNDER THE IMAGE. From the collection of Catalan autograph hound JosÈ Bronsoms Nadal. FINE AND BRIGHT, IN PERFECT CONDITION.
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Blair, Tony
Signed photograph of Tony Blair
Color photograph (15.1 x 10 cm) of Tony Blair as prime minister of the United Kingdom. SIGNED BY BLAIR IN INK UNDER THE IMAGE. From the collection of Catalan autograph hound JosÈ Bronsoms Nadal. FINE AND BRIGHT, IN PERFECT CONDITION.
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Brandt, Willy (Herbert Ernst Karl Frahm)
Signed photograph of Willy Brandt
Photograph (13.7 x 8.7 cm) of Nobel Peace Laureate Willy Brandt as chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany (i.e., West Germany). SIGNED BY BRANDT IN INK UNDER THE IMAGE. From the collection of Catalan autograph hound JosÈ Bronsoms Nadal. FINE AND BRIGHT, IN PERFECT CONDITION.
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Marcos, Ferdinand
Signed photograph of Ferdinand Marcos
Photograph (12.7 x 9 cm) of Ferdinand Marcos, President of the Philippines. SIGNED AND INSCRIBED BY MARCOS IN INK. From the collection of Catalan autograph hound JosÈ Bronsoms Nadal. FINE AND BRIGHT, IN PERFECT CONDITION.
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Manolo Codeso (Manuel Codeso Ruiz)
Signed photograph of Manolo Codeso (Manuel Codeso Ruiz, Spanish comic actor)
Signed and inscribed photograph (13 x 9 cm) of Spanish comic actor Manolo Codeso (1926-2005). From the collection of Catalan autograph hound JosÈ Bronsoms Nadal. FINE AND BRIGHT, IN PERFECT CONDITION.
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CAETANI, Michelangelo
Matelda nella divina foresta della Commedia di Dante Allighieri : disputazione tusculana
In-4°, 24pp, legatura muta rosso bruno. Copia con dedica autografa a penna dell’Autore allo scultore Pietro Tenerani.
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CAETANI, Michelangelo
Della dottrina che si asconde nell'ottavo e nono canto dell'Inferno della Divina Commedia di Dante Allighieri : esposizione nuova / di Michelangelo Caetani duca di Sermoneta
In-8°, 21pp, (2cc), legatura in carta colorata verde scuro con titolo DANTE al piatto anteriore. Dedica dell’Autore autografa a matita allo scultore Pietro Tenerani. Piatto anteriore staccato.
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Rivers, Caryl
Girls Forever Brave and True
371p. Autographed note from the author to Boston Globe reporter laid in. Hardcover Very good condition very good d.j. good
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Aldrich, Thomas Bailey
A Sea Turn and Other Matters
302p. BAL 392. Tipped in is A.L.S. from the author to Oliver H. Perkins thanking him for bookplate. Hardcover Ex-Library in very good condition, 1/2 morocco slipcase rubbed
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