DESLANDRES (Henri). - Lot 205

DESLANDRES (Henri). 1853-1948. French astronomer, director of the Meudon and Paris observatories, inventor of the spectroheliograph, member of the Académie des Sciences. L.A.S. "H. Deslandres" to Léon Labbé. Bellevue, December 14, 1902. 2 pp. in-8. Interesting letter concerning an election to the Académie des Sciences, addressed to senator and physician Léon Labbé. Deslandres frankly explains the reasons for his electoral hesitation, and refers to the decisive influences of the Parisian scientific milieu: "In principle, I'm willing to follow the example of Messrs Berthelot, Marcy and Moissan, whose opinion is decisive for me. However, the astronomer indicates that he has already pledged his vote to his friend Carpentier, builder of several scientific instruments for his observatory: "I intend to give my vote to my friend Carpentier, who has built several very delicate devices for my astronomical service." While hinting that a second round might alter his position: "If, moreover, which seems impossible, a second round were necessary, I would naturally turn to your side..." A fine letter revealing the games of influence, scientific solidarities and electoral practices within the Académie des Sciences at the beginning of the 20th century. We meet several of the leading scientists of the time, including Marcellin Berthelot and Henri Moissan, the future Nobel Prize winner in chemistry. Henri Deslandres was one of the great French astrophysicists of his time, and played a major role in the development of solar spectroscopy and photographic astronomy. Very fine condition. Elegant handwriting and neat signature.