SCOTT RUSSELL, John (1808-1882). Engineer & naval architect.
Lengthy Autograph Letter Signed to [Charles Wentworth] Dilke (1789-1864, editor & writer), 3½ pages 8vo, Virginia House, 21 August 1840. Confessing that he is unable to multi-task ('I can only do one thing at a time') and that he had been busy up until the present moment writing for the Encyclopedia Britannica, but that he will do as asked presently.

He further requests books on 'Steam Navigation matters & a good Review of all the Railways.' His collaboration with I.K Brunel over a decade after this letter resulted in the building of the enormous ship the Great Eastern.
[No: 26303]