Letter 0473

Posted on August 2, 2016 by -

Arthur Charlett to Hans Sloane – December 17, 1697


Item info

Date: December 17, 1697
Author: Arthur Charlett
Recipient: Hans Sloane

Library: British Library, London
Manuscript: Sloane MS 4037
Folio: f. 1


Original Page


Transcription

[fol. 1] Good Sr The Gentleman Mr Isted, having completed his Course of Studdys in this University, is now or his further perfection, designing a short Travel into France. He is advised, to make himselfe acquainted wth the Men of Letters the Curiositys of his own Country, and Dr Gregory tells him, nothing will be so often askd after, as the state of the Royal Society of England in Paris. I know non can be so useful to him as your selfe, and therefore beg you will appoint a Time to him to wait upon you either at ye College or your own Lodgins, being a Youth I have a great Affection for on the Account of his very modest and discreet behaviour amongst us. He intends to gain admittance into the Train of Gentlemen of my Ld Portland, so far as freinds shall advise, and I am sure none can give better then Dr Sloane: He will have a letter from Dr Wallis to Monsieur Le Hospital, the Famous Mathematician of France. That Excellent old Gentleman, considers his Age now at 83, not for Ease, but only to make the more haste in drawing his Lines, being as busy as ever was Archimedes at his Seige: He does not indulge Himselfe an Amanuensies, but every considerate letter transcribes 3 times with his own hand, 1. Foul, 2 to the Party. 3 into a large Book fair. You see what frequent Troubles you contract by the Reputation I have of your Acquaintance, so expensive to your self, and so usefull to Dear Sr Your most affectionate Freind & Servant Ar Charlett Univ. Coll. Dec. 17. 97.

Charlett writes of Mr Isted, a young man who recently completed his studies at the University. He asks if Sloane would do him the favour of meeting Isted before he leaves for France.

Charlett was elected Master of University College at Oxford in 1692 and held that post until his death in 1722. Charlett used the mastership to gain influence, especially through persistent letter-writing to numerous correspondents, sharing the latest literary, political, and scholarly gossip (R. H. Darwall-Smith, Charlett, Arthur (16551722), Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/5158, accessed 18 June 2013]).



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