Albums containing autograph letters to Sir Charles Lyell and family, and portraits of the writers, compiled by Leonard Lyell
Content Description
This collection consists of two albums compiled by Leonard Lyell, nephew of Charles Lyell and son of Katherine Mary Lyell. The volumes contain letters sent by many leading scientists and scholars of the 19th century to Sir Charles Lyell and others in his family, such as his wife Mary, the elder Charles Lyell, Mary’s father Leonard Horner, and his brother Francis Horner. In both albums, most of the letters are accompanied by a facing photograph or portrait print of the letter’s author.
The two albums have been arranged by the senders' occupations: one is entitled "E. Divines, Metaphysicians, Philologists", and the other "F. Chemists, Physicians, Travellers, and Geographers". Their numbering ("E" an "F") and their very similar physical appearances suggest that they were part of a larger series.
Dates
- Creation: 1805-1899
Creator
- Lyell, Leonard, 1st Baron Lyell, 1850-1926 (Compiler, Person)
Language of Materials
English
Condition Description
In good condition. Some yellowing / slight dirtying of the pages.
Conditions Governing Access
Open. Please contact the repository in advance.
Extent
2 albums (The "F" album is still enclosed in its original waxed linen bag.)
Custodial History
Leornard Lyell's signature is on the inside front cover of both volumes.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Album "E": purchased in June 2020. Accession no. SC-Acc-2020-0022.
Album "F": purchased in September 2022. Accession no. SC-Acc-2023-0082.
Condition Description
In good condition. Some yellowing / slight dirtying of the pages.
Processing Information
Catalogued in November 2023 by Aline Brodin, using information provided by the sellers.
- Title
- Albums containing autograph letters to Sir Charles Lyell and family, and portraits of the writers, compiled by Leonard Lyell, 1805-1899
- Author
- Aline Brodin
- Date
- November 2023
- Description rules
- Isad(G)2
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the University of Edinburgh Library Heritage Collections Repository
Centre for Research Collections
University of Edinburgh Main Library
George Square
Edinburgh EH8 9LJ Scotland
+44(0)131 650 8379
heritagecollections@ed.ac.uk