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German mathematician and physical scientist (1777-1855) who contributed significantly to many fields, including geometry and astronomy; he is often referred to as the 'prince of mathematicians' or 'the greatest mathematician since antiquity.' ALS in German, signed “Gauss,” one page both sides, 4.75 x 7.75, April 6, 1821. Handwritten letter to Munich engineer Georg von Reichenbach concerning the dispatch of a theodolite, a precision optical instrument for measuring angles, incorporating two small sketches. In part (translated): "Your dear letter of December 21st of last year has given me, my most esteemed and dearest friend, courage and reassurance, as you promised me the theodolite for this April and the stadia rod for next July. Trusting in this promise, I have now taken all my measures for the triangulation, my assistants have been appointed and are about to begin the campaign; I am already having signal towers built at the suitable points, etc. So please send the theodolite as soon as it is ready, without delay. With regard to the stadia rod, I am willing to wait until July, especially since, according to your letter, I have further improvements to hope for, and I do not wish to deprive Mr. Prof. Bohneberger of his. But once again, dearest Reichenbach, I impress upon your friendly heart the urgent need for the theodolite. Without it, I can do nothing and am in the greatest difficulty. Should, therefore—against my hope—the completion of this instrument be delayed by a few weeks longer than you promised, I earnestly request you to send me immediately, under my address, the theodolite of Mr. Prof. Schumacher, as he kindly offers to lend it to me for a short time in case of need, as he will also have written to you himself. Since only a small repair needs to be made to this instrument, which can be done in a few days, I count on this as the surest option. The successful progress of my operation depends primarily on a good start. May I add one more request regarding the theodolite, it would be to set up the thread network in this way [a small drawing], i.e., instead of a single vertical thread, to insert a double one, with a distance of about 30" or 40". I have found such an arrangement very useful when sighting very distant faint objects. But if, upon receipt of this, the network is already finished, leave it as it is, at least I would not want the dispatch of the instrument to be delayed by even one day." In fine condition.
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