Joseph Priestley letter

Collection

Identifier: MS 0304

Staff Only

Finding aid note: Stored onsite at the Woodson Research Center.

Scope and Contents

This collection contains a handwritten and signed letter, written January 5, 1802 and addressed to Samuel Mitchell, a member of the U.S. Congress, concerning publication of Priestley’s paper on “galvanism” to appear in the Medical Repository. Additionally, Priestly writes of problems in obtaining philosophical materials from his bookseller in London, and asks the congressman about living conditions in Washington. A typewritten transcript of the letter is included.

Dates

Creation: 1802

Creator

Priestley, Joseph (Author, Person)

Access Restrictions

This material is open for research.

Conditions Governing Access

Stored onsite at the Woodson Research Center.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from the Joseph Priestley Letter must be obtained from the Woodson Research Center, Fondren Library, Rice University.

Biographical / Historical

Joseph Priestley (1733-1804) English chemist, Nonconformist minister, and voluminous writer, was born on March 13, 1733, in the West Riding of Yorkshire. In 1772, after a series of clerical appointments, he was chosen a foreign associate of the French Academy of Science and accepted a position as librarian and literary companion to Lord Shelburne. He emigrated to America in 1794, settling in Northumberland, Pennsylvania.

Extent

0.25 Linear Feet ( (1 folder))

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection contains a handwritten and signed letter, written January 5, 1802 and addressed to Samuel Mitchell, a member of the U.S. Congress, concerning publication of Priestley’s paper on “galvanism” to appear in the Medical Repository. Additionally, Priestley writes of problems in obtaining philosophical materials from his bookseller in London, and asks the congressman about living conditions in Washington. A typewritten transcript of the letter is included.