Signature on address panel to "Monsieur / Professeur le Lieut Colonel / Edward Sabine / a / Woolwich".

Baron Friedrich Heinrich Alexander von Humboldt , German naturalist and traveller (1769-1859). Sabine, soldier (American War), scientist and arctic explorer (1788-1883)(DNB). Humboldt's "Cosmos" was translated by Sabine's wife. An address panel, trimmed, removed rom an album, c.5 x 3.5", fold marks but text clear: "a Monsieur / Professeur le Lieut Colonel / Edward Sabine / a / Woolwich. / [bottom left] Bn Humboldt." A piquant combination.This derives from an album of autograph letters and signatures created by "Annie" (Mrs Henry Craigie Brewster), daughter-in-law of Sir David Brewster. The latter helped her with her collection by giving her letters - as a letter from him to her reveals (copy available). Brewster would have known both the parties in this item.