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DNA: The Secret of Life, inscribed by Watson to Crick—representing the greatest scientific collaboration of the 20th century
775. DNA: James D. Watson Signed Book Presented to Francis Crick (DNA: The Secret of Life). Signed book: DNA: The Secret of Life by James D. Watson with Andrew Berry. Pre-publication printing. Comb-bound, 9.25 x 11, 356 pages [the book, as published, was 446 pages]. Signed and inscribed on the cover page in black ballpoint to Francis Crick and his wife, “For Francis & Odile, from Jim, 27 November 2002.” In fine condition, with toning to the clear protective overlay. Crick’s wife Odile, co-recipient of this presentation copy, is famous for her drawing of the DNA molecule, published in Nature in April 1953 and subsequently widely reproduced in textbooks, scientific articles, and popular literature: ‘It may be the most famous [scientific] drawing of the 20th century, in that it defines modern biology’ (Terrence J. Sejnowski, Salk Institute).
Francis Collins commented: ‘A remarkable alignment of the planets is occurring in 2003: the 50th anniversary of the double helix and the completion of the sequence of the human genome. As a defining figure in both landmark events, no other human being on the planet is positioned to write as authoritatively about all this as Jim Watson. In DNA: The Secret of Life he does so with characteristic clarity, style, and wit. If you really want to know what happened in the most important half-century of biology since the world began, read this.’
This splendid presentation copy represents the greatest scientific collaboration of the 20th century. The names Watson and Crick will forever be linked in the history of science. Starting Bid $1000
184. Thomas Edison Twice-Signed ‘Storage Battery Garage’ Document. Partly-printed DS, signed “Thos. A. Edison,” one page, 15.25 x 9.25, January 8, 1919. Stock certificate issued to Thomas A. Edison for one share in the Edison Storage Battery Garage, Incorporated. Signed at the conclusion as the company’s president by Edison with his umbrella autograph and countersigned by Harry F. Miller as treasurer; the reverse has also been signed by Edison as a witness of its transfer. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200
Edison signs a postal cover honoring the electric light’s jubilee
185.Thomas Edison Signed First Day Cover for Electric Light Jubilee. Scarce “Office of the Postmaster General, Official Business” mailing cover featuring a block of four 2¢ stamps honoring the 50th anniversary of the first incandescent electric light, canceled on the stamp’s day of issue, June 5, 1929, at Menlo Park, New Jersey, signed at the bottom in bold ink, “Thos. A. Edison.” Addressed in type to Professor Waite Edward Worden in Millburn, New Jersey. Handsomely mounted, matted, and framed with a portrait of Edison to an overall size of 14.75 x 23.25. In fine condition. Starting Bid $200