DARWIN, Charles Autograph letter signed, to the photographic pioneer Robert Hunt. Down, Bromley, Kent, 31 July, [1855] 1855
3 pages, 8vo (200 x 123 mm); traces of mounting on verso of second leaf, paper watermarked 1853. £4850
A fine letter revealing Darwin as experimental scientist, writing to Robert Hunt, professor of experimental physics at the School of Mines, Jermyn Street, London. Hunt published the first English treatise on photography. Hunt had written to Darwin on 19 July 1855, discussing how best to simulate natural light at a particular point on the earth's surface by using coloured glass, and again on 24 July, advising Darwin which colours of glass accelerate germination, lignification and floration, as well as advising him on how to obtain such glass, and offering help with his experiments. In reply, Darwin asks for Hunt's help in obtaining coloured glass. 'I have not the least idea, whether glass coated with colour or coloured through makes any difference. Will you be so kind as to let me have one line in answer, & return the enclosed. -I asked whether they had (& the price of) 1. "intense cobalt Blue" 2."silver yellow" 3. "deep copper red" & used your name & stated that my object was to experimentise on plants...'
Cambridge University Darwin Correspondence Online Database 1734
£4850
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