- 78
Humboldt, Alexander von
Estimate
3,000 - 4,000 GBP
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Description
- Humboldt, Alexander von
- Autograph manuscript notes relating to his life's work, Kosmos
- paper
a densely-written working manuscript, comprising annotated details of literature used by Humboldt, the works referred to including Kant's Metaphysische Anfangsgründe der Naturwissenschaft (1786) and works by Theophrastus, Jakob Friedrich Fries, Hegel and Friedrich Wilhelm Schelling, containing a series of points numbered "3)" to "10)", the recto cancelled by Humboldt with a diagonal vertical stroke
...Metaphysische Anfangsgründe der Naturwissenschaften [von] Kant Fries II 549 das Sterben des Universums als ein Kunstwerk der Gedanken darzustellen...9b mein Buch...
2 pages, c.12.7 x 9.8cm, irregularly cut down from a larger leaf, with an old envelope marked in another hand ("A. Humboldt [H]andschrift / zum Cosmos gehörend"), no place or date, horizontal and vertical folds, small tear to one corner with very slight loss of text
...Metaphysische Anfangsgründe der Naturwissenschaften [von] Kant Fries II 549 das Sterben des Universums als ein Kunstwerk der Gedanken darzustellen...9b mein Buch...
2 pages, c.12.7 x 9.8cm, irregularly cut down from a larger leaf, with an old envelope marked in another hand ("A. Humboldt [H]andschrift / zum Cosmos gehörend"), no place or date, horizontal and vertical folds, small tear to one corner with very slight loss of text
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Humboldt's Kosmos remains one of the most ambitious scientific works ever published. Intended as no less than a description of the entire material universe, and occupying its writer for more than twenty-five years, it was published between 1845 and 1862 in five volumes, the last incomplete at Humboldt's death in 1859.