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Science and Alchemy
Lot 51

HARVEY, WILLIAM. 1578-1657.
Letter signed ("Will: Harvey") in English, arranging payment for medicines for servants in the household of Charles I,

21 November 2023, 10:00 EST
New York

US$20,000 - US$30,000

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HARVEY, WILLIAM. 1578-1657.

Letter signed ("Will: Harvey") in English, arranging payment for medicines for servants in the household of Charles I, 1 p, 4to (245 x 140 mm), n.p., dated April 4, 1637 [the 13th year of the reign of Charles I, in Latin], some staining.

A RARE SCIENTIFIC AUTOGRAPH. Order to the Exchequer issued in his capacity as physician to the Royal Household. "One duty of the royal physician [Harvey] was the control of the medicines dispensed for the use of the members of the royal household." (Keynes). The letter reads in part: "Adriaen Metcalfe deputy Apoth[ecary] for his Ma'ties most honourable household desireth allowance for Phisicall stuff delivered & spent upon his highness poore household servants from the feast of St. Michal the Arch Angell until the feast of the Birth of our blessed Saviour last past the some of fifteen pounds to be paid out on the receipt of his highness Exchequer accordinge to a warrant dormant in that behalfe. Will Harvey."

See Keynes William Harvey (1966) p 280; for Adrian Metcalfe, see L. G. Matthews The Royal Apothecaries (1967), pp 100-101.

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