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Translation of a letter, from Antoni van Leeuwenhoek to John Chamberlayne

Reference number: EL/L3/46

Date: 08 December 1702

Description

Original letter no longer exists
Concerning dental hygiene: Leeuwenhoek recommends polishing with salt and ash of tobacco, and that tea and coffee are not harmful to teeth
Read to the Royal Society on 23 December
Printed in 'Alle de brieven van Antoni van Leeuwenhoek', edited, illustrated and annotated by Committee of Dutch Scientists, vol 14, p 151

Reference number
EL/L3/46
Earliest possible date
08 December 1702
Page extent
54 pages
Format
Manuscript

Creator name

Antoni van Leeuwenhoek

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Citation

Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Translation of a letter, from Antoni van Leeuwenhoek to John Chamberlayne, 08 December 1702, EL/L3/46, The Royal Society Archives, London, https://makingscience.royalsociety.org/items/el_l3_46/translation-of-a-letter-from-antoni-van-leeuwenhoek-to-john-chamberlayne, accessed on 14 December 2025

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  • Early Letters

    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.

    Dates: 1613 - 1740

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