In this autograph letter signed, John Phillips suggests inviting the geologist and mining expert, Mr. Warington Wilkinson Smyth to speak about coal supply.

“My dear Sir

I think Mr. Warington Smith (27 [?]  St ) is the best man to invite as to Coal supply: His style must be good as he is of Cambridge: but whether it be grandiose I doubt. Mr Hand writes well & intelligibly on astronomical subjects. Good success to you.

[Sincerely Yours ?]/John Phillips”

Written on a folded 5 ½” x 7 ¼” sheet of ivory laid paper dated: “19 October, 1863”.  

John Phillips (1800-1874) was an English geologist and prolific academic writer in the field of astronomy, electromagnetism, zoology, botany, meteorology, etc. His statistical approach to paleontology helped prove the stratigraphy of geological deposits. He identified and named major geological eras, Palaeozoic, Mesozoic, Caenozoic, and demonstrated the mass extinctions during this period. He taught at King’s College, University of Dublin, and at the University of Oxford.

Warington Wilkinson Smyth (1817-1890) was a lecturer at the Royal School of Mines for thirty years. He was also  president of the Geological Society of London and, in 1879, he was chairman of a Royal Commission appointed to inquire into coal mine accidents. He authored numerous articles and books on geological and mining subjects.

Condition: Mailing fold lines, otherwise very good condition.

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