Autographed letter signed, one page - folded double-page, 5,25 x 8,25 inch, Paris, 12.10.1904, in French, on the printed stationery of the `Faculte des Sciences de Paris`, to a deputy - concerning the analyse of radioactivity of a water sample from Lesmenil, written and signed in dark ink "P. Curie", with a horizontal letter fold, a label of the collector (Rawlins!) to the lower left corner, and scattered mild signs of wear - in fine condition. "Monsieur le Depute, J`ai examine au point de vue radioactif l`eau (Lesmenil) que vous m`avez envoyee. Cette eau ne presente pas de radioactivite d`une facon appreciable, il faut donc rechercher ailleurs la cause des accidents parvenus aux ouvriers. Je vous prie d`agreer, Monsieur, mes salutations bien sinceres. P. Curie" Translated: "Dear deputy, I checked the received water (Lesmenil) for radioactivity. This water contains no significant radioactivity, the reason for accidents of the workers must, therefore, be found elsewhere. Please accept my cordial salutations. P. Curie"
In this letter, written one year after receiving the Nobel Prize, Curie embodies the true spirit of scientific research, offering honest support in his specialized field. Due to his tragic death less than two years later, signed material by Pierre is very rare, this being only the second letter we have offered! Comes from the famous Rawlins collection.