- 62
Bruce, James
Estimate
2,500 - 3,500 GBP
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Description
- A fine autograph letter signed, to an unnamed recipient (probably Sir Joseph Banks), concerning the natural history of Egypt and Nubia, 2 pages, 4to, Kinnaird, 12 December 1777, slight wear to extremities
- paper
"I enclose you a letter to my friend Mr La Trobe who is in possession of the Nubian seeds I wrote you of from Aegypt. I call them Nubian because I found most of them in Abysinnia & Nubia where certainly they never were brought from Aegypt." Rejecting the commonly held view that Egypt was once covered by the sea he writes that "no plants are found in Aegypt but what may from their places found be supposed to have been introduced, there are scarce any plants can grow in such a climate."
He continues "I shall send you the bird by my ship master... If you please to wrap up the drawing of the Brucia (Wooginous) carefully...". The emphasis on natural history in this letter, and his "Compts. to Mr Solander" (Banks's travelling companion and latterly librarian) suggests that this letter may have been addressed to Sir Joseph Banks.
He continues "I shall send you the bird by my ship master... If you please to wrap up the drawing of the Brucia (Wooginous) carefully...". The emphasis on natural history in this letter, and his "Compts. to Mr Solander" (Banks's travelling companion and latterly librarian) suggests that this letter may have been addressed to Sir Joseph Banks.
Condition
the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"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
Bruce's Travels to Discover the Source of the Nile in the years 1768-1773 was published in 1790. The fifth, and final volume is entitled Select Specimens of Natural History, collected in Travels to Discover the Source of the Nile.