Autograph letter signed to Mr. [John] Paget

London, 30 June 1860. Bifolium. 4pp. 180 x 111 mm. A few pin-holes but fine otherwise.

From English physiologist and naturalist William B. Carpenter, who "helped shape the modern life sciences in Britain (Oxford DNB) through both his writings and his work as a teacher and administrator at what is now the University of London. Carpenter performed valuable researches in marine zoology, and was directly influential in persuading the British Admiralty to sponsor the Challenger expedition, the first major scientific study of the deep oceans. Carpenter is also recognized as one of the founders of the modern theory of the adaptive unconscious-he observed that the human perceptual system and the mechanism of human thought operates almost completely outside of conscious awareness. Carpenter's correspondent was the police magistrate and author John Paget.

"I cannot let Mrs. Carpenter be the only one to express our hearty appreciation of the kind feeling on the part of Mrs. Paget and yourself, by which the beautiful gift which we had the pleasure of receiving from you yesterday has been prompted, as well as our admiration of the combined elegance and utility of the gift itself. Since its arrival, Mrs. Carpenter has for the first time informed me that she had been taken into your counsels in the matter; and I am very glad that without any intention of her own, your gift should have taken a form that so appropriately made her a participator in it. For her interest in Guy and her constant solicitude for his welfare have been, as I need scarcely tell you, in no degree inferior to my own. It gives us both great pleasure to have so substantial an expression of the satisfaction felt by Mrs. Paget and yourself in what we have endeavoured to do for him; and we trust, with her, that the influences and associations of early years may be pleasantly and usefully kept up on both sides by the continued friendship of our boys as they advance in life. With kindest wishes for the welfare and happiness of Mrs. Paget, yourself, and your family, believe me, Dear Mr. Paget, always yours most sincerely, William B. Carpenter."