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Auction: 323 - The Numismatic Collector's Series Sale
Lot: 1398



Kelvin, William Thomson 1st Baron (1824-1907). lrish-born physicist and inventor pioneered the use of mathematics to study the properties of electricity and thermodynamics; invented numerous instruments to measure electricity and other physical magnitudes; suggested an absolute measure of temperature, leading to the scale that bears his name. Manuscript Letter Signed "W. Thomson," 1 page, 8vo, The University, Glasgow, March 25, 1886. To Sir Edward, he writes, "I return the recommendation [not present] of Prof. [Francis] Elgar for the R[oyal] S[ociety], with the signatures of myself and all of his colleagues who are Fellows." Soiled, with light wear, otherwise in very good condition. Francis Elgar, a naval architect, was admitted to the Royal Society, England's most prestigious scientific body, two weeks after Thomson's endorsement. Two years later, Thomson would become president of the Society, and two years after that would be created Baron Kelvin.


Estimate
$250 to $350