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The Royal Society: Science in the Making

Letter, from Antoni van Leeuwenhoek to the Royal Society, dated at Delft

Reference number: EL/L2/6

Date: 10 July 1686

Description

Signed letter
Concerning the difference in the growth of wood felled in different seasons, and also differences in wood grown in different countries; discussion on the durability of wood; an account of the annual growth rings of oak; discussion of wood for cooperage; causes for different ring widths; explains how wooden barrels can be watertight
Leeuwenhoek adds a postscript about prawns
Two figures attached (not by Leeuwenhoek)
Partial English translation see EL/L2/7
Transcribed and translated in 'Alle de brieven van Antoni van Leeuwenhoek', edited, illustrated and annotated by Committee of Dutch Scientists, vol 6, p 125
English extract printed in 'Philosophical Transactions', vol 18, no 213, p 224

Reference number
EL/L2/6
Earliest possible date
10 July 1686
Page extent
13 pages
Format
Manuscript
Also available on Early Modern Letters Online
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Creator name

Antoni van Leeuwenhoek

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Citation

Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Letter, from Antoni van Leeuwenhoek to the Royal Society, dated at Delft, 10 July 1686, EL/L2/6, The Royal Society Archives, London, https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/el_l2_6/letter-from-antoni-van-leeuwenhoek-to-the-royal-society-dated-at-delft, accessed on 19 January 2025

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  • Early Letters

    Dates: 1613-1740

    The archival collection known as 'Early Letters' is composed of original manuscript letters sent to, or collected by, the Royal Society from English and foreign correspondents.

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