[Rarebooks] FS: A patriotic amateur scientist, NY, 1826

[Powers Rare Books]

I can offer...

      CUNNINGHAM, Obadiah.  Single-sheet circular letter addressed to 
members of Congress soliciting a financial reward for his discovery of 
the cause of the variation of the magnetic needle.  New York, April, 
1826.
      Single sheet, measuring appx. 9.5 by 8 inches, signed at the 
bottom by Cunningham.  Folded several times, with the remains of a seal 
on the verso, slight foxing, but still very good.  Included with the 
letter is a small, nineteenth-century pocket compass in a handcrafted 
mahogany case with brass fittings (unrelated, but a nice 
accompaniment).
      A curious printed letter simply addressed to "Sir" that reads in 
part, "I am confident, (notwithstanding the received opinion may be to 
the contrary) that I have discovered the law in nature, or cause of the 
Variation of the Magnetic Needle and can elucidate, or demonstrate the 
cause, why the Needle will not, at All Times, Point The Same In The 
Same Place...It is stated that the British government have offered a 
reward for the above-named discovery, accompanied with explanations.  
But as an American, it is my duty, first to offer an explanation to the 
Government of my country, and the people of these United States.  But 
Congress have never passed any law on the subject...Somewhat advanced 
in years, and living remote from the seat of government, I have 
contemplated the petitioning the National Legislature, to pass an act, 
granting a reward, and to appoint a committee to hear and decide upon 
explanations...Will you advise me how I ought to proceed, in order to 
do the public, and myself, justice."
      Various inquiries have yet to determine exactly who this Obadiah 
Cunningham was, but this provides an interesting glimpse into the 
workings of the amateur scientist in the young Republic.
      OCLC reports one copy at the NY Historical Society, but nothing 
else by Cunningham is recorded there; other copies apparently at 
Library of Congress and Tufts.

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Greg Powers
Powers Rare Books
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