Johann Bernoulli I. Autograph Letter Signed. Basel; April 26, 1728.. ...

Description

ALS. "J. Bernoulli." Four page bifolium, in French, 6.5" x 9". In this extensive letter to an unnamed correspondent, Bernoulli expresses his extreme joy that his son received a distinction for his dissertation, and is convinced that the recipient of this letter contributed to this by pointing out the most worthy passages. He informs his correspondent that his son will show his gratitude. Bernoulli claims that some fathers value their own glory rather than that of their sons, but this is not the case with him, for he would sacrifice all for his son. He then informs the recipient that he is adding to a previous work so that it may be "more perfect" and satisfy the Academy's amendment that requires an explanation for probable cause for a certain phenomenon, which he did not originally include because it was not part of the initial question about "perfectly hard bodies." He will now add an explanation concerning the elasticity of objects, and hopes his theory will please the Academy. He writes that he is prepared to respond to any objections that his theory does not address the phenomenon in its entire scope. Bernoulli goes on to inform his correspondent that the death of the Tsar [not clear what he is referring to here, since no Russian Tsar died around this time] would not have a negative effect on certain projects [unnamed]. He ends the letter by informing his recipient that he will offer his opinion of the essay when he has free time from all his duties.

Johann Bernoulli (1667-1748), also known as Jean, was a Swiss mathematician and was one of the many prominent mathematicians in the Bernoulli family. He is known for his contributions to infinitesimal calculus and educating Leonhard Euler in the pupil's youth

Condition: In addition to the usual folds, the letter has several small holes where the iron gall ink has bled through the paper; otherwise good.