Robert Bell holograph letter to Ben. W. Austin in Dallas Texas regarding honorary membership in Trinity Historical Society
Date Published: 1887
Binding: No binding
ROBERT BELL ALS SCARCE TO MARKET
2pp. letter, flat size 10-1/2 x 8-1/4 inches folded to 5-1/4 x 8-1/4 inches on Geological Survey of Canada Ottawa letterhead. Dated 1st March, 1887.
Bell ALS scarce to market.
Ben W. Austin Esq. Secry. Trinity Historical Society Dallas Texas.
Dear Sir, I have much pleasure in acknowledging receipt of your letter of 25th ? and in accepting the nomination of the Trinity Historical Society as a non-resident or Honorary Member. It may prove to be of service to you from time to time and if and ? or will give me much pleasure to do what I can to promote your interests. The above is my permanent address.I have ? I am away as my northern exploration, letters are forwarded to me or kept there till I return. When I have a photograph taken I will send one to your library. Yours faithfully, Robert Bell.
Last page with name of recipient was glued to a manuscript book, otherwise, very good condition.
Robert Bell was a scientist, explorer, professor, and civil servant. In 1861 he earned a civil engineering degree from McGill University and the Governor General’s Medal. He studied for a further two years at the University of Edinburgh. In 1863 he was appointed professor of chemistry and natural sciences at Queen’s College, Kingston. He was one of the pioneers in the geographical and geological exploration of Canada. He named over 3,000 geographical features. Bell received the King's Gold Medal of the Royal Geographical Society of London and the Cullum Geographical Medal of the American Geographical Society of New York. He had a 52-year career Geological Survey of Canada (GSC).
Benjamin W. Austin who was at one time the secretary of the Northwestern Literary and Historical Society in Sioux City and later, the functioning as secretary of the Trinity Historical Society in Dallas, Texas, 1885-1894 often promoting the honorary or non resident membership in the society and requesting autographs, photographs, and pamphlets.
According to Professor André De Tienne, Ben Austin assembled his collection by deceptive methods, for instance “making them [people] believe that they were being honored with a membership in non-existent scholarly societies, such as the Northwestern Literary and Historical Society, or the Trinity Historical Society in Texas.”
Very Good. Item #5876
$200.00 USD
$272.65 CAD