Alfred RICHE Autographed letter signed to a friend Biography of Wurtz 1887

  

Autographed letter signed to a friend, Biography of Wurtz by Hofmann, 1887. President of the National Academy of Medicine. Autographed letter signed by Alfred RICHE, dated January 21, 1887, in Paris. Written in black ink on a double sheet of vergé paper with printed letterhead from the École Supérieure de Pharmacie - Laboratory of Mineral Chemistry.

The text presents a series of precise questions about the history of the Agronomic Institute of Versailles and the courses taught by Wurtz in the early 1850s: My dear friend, I have received from Mr. Hofmann, a distinguished chemist and scholar from Berlin, the following inquiries regarding a biography of his friend Wurtz that he is working on. 1° When was the Agronomic Institute of Versailles established?

2° When was it abolished? I answer: Because it had ceased to please. 4° What course did Wurtz teach? What to answer, my memory serves me poorly. I believe he only taught General Chemistry, and there was only that course in the year 1850 or 1851?

In the following year, was it 1851? He was appointed, and he taught Agricultural Chemistry, right? Do you know their official title? The first one died: when? In short, would you write to me as soon as possible what your memories allow you to recall?

I am happy for the opportunity that allows me to remind you of my fond regard, to wish you a happy year, and to remain your devoted servant. This letter perfectly illustrates the scholarly exchanges between chemists in the second half of the 19th century, at the intersection of scientific research, higher education, and institutional history. It highlights the desire to preserve the scientific memory of Wurtz, considered one of the greatest French chemists of the century. 13.3 x 20.3 cm.

Condition: Tab traces on the back, otherwise in good condition. See photos and description for more details. Alfred Riche, born on February 3, 1829, in Roche-sur-Vannon - currently Roche-et-Raucourt - and died in Nice on April 24, 1908, was a French chemist and pharmacist. He was president of the National Academy of Medicine in 1902. August Wilhelm von Hofmann is a German chemist, remembered for his work on aniline.

Charles Adolphe Wurtz, born in Strasbourg on November 26, 1817, and died in Paris on May 12, 1884, was a French physician and chemist. He was a professor and dean of the Faculty of Medicine in Paris, a professor at the Sorbonne, and a member of the Academy of Medicine. Autographed letters, old papers, antique books, photographs, engravings, stamps...

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