[Thomas Short, inventor of dual reflecting telescope; Earl of Rochford; Manuscript] Petition for Letters Patent signed by Thomas Short (optitian) for invention (reflecting telescope for two view[er]s). Also signed (off) by the Earl of Rochford

Also signed on the reverse by [A.C. Cuddon?] AND the Earl of Rochford [William Henry Nassau de Zuylestein, 4th Earl of Rochford (1717 O.S. -1781) courtier, diplomat and statesman.]. TWO PAGES, sm. fol., fold marks, edges stained, discreet repairs, text clear and complete, commencing To the Kings most Excellent Majesty | The Humble Petition of Thomas Short […] That your Petitioner hath invented a method of making Reflecting Telescopes with more than two Speculums to be used by the same person at the same time […] or enabling two Persons to view the same object at the same time […]. SEE IMAGE for full (signed) text. One the verso, [A.C. Cuddon?] gives a statement about Short Swearing on 14 March 1774. Followed by a signed statement by the Earl of Rochford commencing His Majesty is graciously pleased to refer this Petition to Mr. Attorney or Mr. Solicitor General to consider thereof, and report his Opinion what may be properly done therein, whereupon His Majesty will declare His further Pleasure. [signed] Rochford. Note: Bennet Woodcroft, Titles of Patents of Invention: Chronologically Arranged […], (1854), p.194: [27 April 1774; 1069] A grant unto THOMAS SHORT, of the parish of Saint Clement Danes, in the county of Middlesex , optician , of his new invented method of making reflecting telescopes with more than two speculums , to be used by the same person [...].