[ Jérôme De la Lande, French astronomer and freemason. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('De la Lande | de l'accad. des Sciences'), in French, with engraved portrait.

Both items in good condition, with light signs of age, and both tipped in to a paper folder, on the front of which is written the entry from the1833 bookseller's catalogue from which they were purchased: 'La Lande Member of the Academy of Sciences at Paris, a very interesting Letter to some Magistrate soliciting relief for the purpose of his labouring usefully, having expended much money on his pursuits, without reserving any indemnity. It exhibits his delicacy in soliciting this assistance, and expresses a hope that his asseverations will obtain credit. - Dated au College Royal le 13me Decembre 1783, and would be an interesting morceau in the biography of this celebrated Astronomer | With fine Portrait. | No 643 Thorpe's Catalogue 1833'. LETTER: 1p., 4to. Eight lines, written in a neat and minuscule hand. ENGRAVING: 20 x 13.5 cm. In oval and captioned 'JÉROME DE LA LANDE.'