LOEWY (Maurice). - Lot 201

LOEWY (Maurice). 1833-1907. French astronomer of Austro-Hungarian origin, director of the Paris Observatory, member of the Académie des Sciences. L.A.S. "M. Loewy" to senator and surgeon Léon Labbé. Walygrod, Styria, September 8, 1904. 1 p. in-8 on printed headed paper from Observatoire de Paris - Cabinet du Directeur. Interesting letter concerning an election to the Académie des Sciences. Maurice Loewy diplomatically responds to the solicitations of Senator Léon Labbé, who has come to seek support for his candidacy: "I have already made some commitments concerning this election, but they are not absolutely binding. In fact, I have reserved the right to vote in the event that the candidate in question has no chance of success. The great astronomer adds courteously: "Rest assured, dear Monsieur Labbé, that I will do my utmost to please you." This is a fine letter, blending academic practices, scholarly networks and electoral prudence within the Académie des Sciences during the Third Republic. Document on elegant Paris Observatory letterhead, signed during a stay in Styria. Maurice Loewy was one of the great architects of photographic mapping of the Moon, and headed the Paris Observatory from 1897. Small traces of folding and slight angular loss, without affecting the text. Good condition.