| RefNo | MM/23/14 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Letter from H [Henry] Baker, London, to the Reverend Mr. Cornelius Nozeman, Minister to the Remonstrants, at Harlem |
| Creator | Baker; Henry (1698-1774); British natural philosopher and teacher of deaf people |
| Recipient | Nozeman; Cornelius (1720-1786); Dutch Remonstrant and naturalist |
| Date | 10 November 1757 |
| Description | His delay in replying resulted from his efforts to obtain a copy of [James] Petiver's 'Gazophylacium' for Nozemen. Baker thought that all of Petiver's books were to be sold by his widow, but decency prevented him from applying for any immediately. A relation has bought the entire collection and will not part with the book. Baker relates how there are no copies in England, and that Petiver's habit of collecting and publishing copper engravings in small quantities, meant that no copy of the book was ever exactly the same, since purchasers of the parts bought more, or fewer, and often missed numbers. They were not esteeemed in Petiver's lifetime, but are now much sought after. Sir Hans Sloane bought the whole collection and the copper plates, but did not print any more off them. These are all now in Sloane's collection in the British Museum, and may be republished sometime in the future. Baker notes that he was one of Sloane's trustees, so his account may be trusted. If any copy of the work becomes available, Baker will buy it; if Nozeman does not take it, Baker will have no difficulty in selling it to some other friend. He will advise the British Museum Trustees to reprint it as soon as he can. He gives thanks for Nozemen's curious plates and his discovery of an animal found about the head of a cod-fish. The other plate, with the ovarium of Cochlea marina is very curious, the discovery of Dr Gronovius. Baker offers to communicate any of Nozemen's discoveries to the Royal Society. |
| Extent | 1p. |
| Format | Manuscript |
| PhysicalDescription | Ink on paper |
| AccessStatus | Open |
| Provenance | Purchased, May 2025 |
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA7577 | Baker; Henry Frederick (1866 - 1956); mathematician | 1866 - 1956 |