RAMSDEN’S AS MEETING POINT — A MANUSCRIPT FRAGMENT
Stock Number: 8166
$550
Circa
Second half 18th century
Country of manufacture
UK and Ireland
Description
Ramsden’s Premises as Focal point for Scientists of the Day, English, second half 18th century, the small note addressed to Dr. James Lind, at Mr. Mitchell’s in the Hay Market “Inquire at Mr. Ramsden’s for more a particular direction.” The incomplete contents reads “Mr. Maskelyne will meet them at Mr. Ramsden’s at 3 o’clock whence they may proceed together.” Condition is fair, with traces of sealing wax.
James Lind (1736 – 1812) was a physician (to the Royal Household) deeply involved in London scientific circles. McConnell (2007) finds him variously accompanying Sir Joseph Banks on an expedition to Iceland, receiving a letter from Roy expressing exasperation at Ramsden’s continuing delays in completing the great geodetic theodolite, and designing a barometer which Ramsden constructed. Nevil Maskelyne (1732 – 1811) was of course the famous Astronomer Royal, who figures in many of Ramsden’s activities.
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Dealer information
TESSERACT
David and Yola Coffeen both have enjoyed academic careers, as planetary astronomer and as linguist/educator. But since 1982 (yes, 1982!) they have been full-time dealers in early scientific and medical instruments, under the name Tesseract. Selling primarily by catalogue (over 100 issued so far) they also have a web presence at www.etesseract.com, and can be contacted at [email protected].
