HOFFMANN (Jules) (1805-1861) - Lot 304

HOFFMANN (Jules) (1805-1861) Naturalist, ornithologist and professor at the Strasbourg Natural History Museum. Correspondent of the Institut, author of numerous works on zoology and natural sciences. L.A.S. "Hoffmann", Suresnes, Wednesday, July 26 [ca. 1830-1840], 3 pages in-8, autograph address with postmarks, addressed to Monsieur Gail, member of the Institut and professor at the Collège de France. Interesting autograph letter to the Hellenistic scholar Jean-Baptiste Gail, member of the Institut, in which Hoffmann mixes personal considerations, academic congratulations and literary concerns. On his return from Suresnes, where he had spent several hours, he deeply regretted not having been able to accept an invitation: "My greatest regret was not to be unable to accept your kind invitation...". and adds humorously: "You may even name it an irremissible sin that I did not write to you three days ago." The letter then takes an even more interesting turn when Hoffmann mentions his correspondent's recent election to the Institut: "I felt the greatest satisfaction when I read in the newspapers of your admission to the Institute." He emphasizes how legitimate this distinction seems to him: "I congratulate you on what you obtain and which is so legitimately due to you." The naturalist even contrasts this election with certain less fortunate academic decisions: "...to the Institute, which has not always been so fair." Finally, the letter ends with an allusion to a work devoted to Thucydides, the publication of which seems to have been delayed: "It's not yet time to talk about Thucydides; everyone is in the country; I think we should save this article for November." This correspondence thus reveals the intellectual links between the world of natural science and that of classical studies within the French scholarly elite of the July Monarchy. It also provides an interesting insight into the reception of elections to the Institut and the circulation of scholarly works destined for publication. Fine Hoffmann autograph signature. Of good scientific and academic interest, bringing together two eminent members of the 19th-century French scholarly community. Condition: mailing folds, small marginal tears and traces of use; autograph address retained; good overall condition.