Lot 1494

ANDRE-MARIE AMPERE

Previous image preload Next image preload

ANDRE-MARIE AMPERE

Estimate: $3,000 - $4,000

Starting Bid: $1,500

(0 Bids)

by Alexander Historical Auctions LLC
July 31, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
106 East Main Street, Suite 103
Elkton, MD, US 21921

ANDRE-MARIE AMPERE
(1775 – 1836) French physicist and mathematician, one of the founders of the science of classical electromagnetism, which he referred to as electrodynamics, also making important contributions in chemistry and philosophy. Ampere invented numerous applications, including the solenoid and the electrical telegraph, and theorized atomic magnetism. Very rare A.Ms. (unsigned), 2pp. 4to. [France, n.d.], approx. 390 words in Ampere's hand including 16 inline formulae/equations and about six formulae/equations on separate lines, most likely a draft of one of Ampere's treatises on calculus with contemporaneous edits. A fine insight into the French mathematician's thought processes as he considered complex partial derivatives, transitioning between text and calculations in the manuscript. In part: 'As we noted...precisely the same thing as having among the three variables x, y, u, the two relations u=F(x,y), u=0, or by virtue of the latter, all derivatives of u, considered a function of x alone, are null, we'll therefore have these equations...by substituting these values dy/dx and d2y/dx2 in the third equation, there will only be one unknown left d3y/dx3 in this equation which will immediately produce the value thereof, by equating to zero the following derivatives of F(x,y) we'll get, through a similar process, the values of the derivatives of y up to whichever magnitude one desires...' Boldly penned and near fine condition, with a full transcript. With COA from John Reznikoff / University Archives as well as our own.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipping, handling and insurance charges will be added to all invoices. Shipments are sent via FEDEX, USPS Express, USPS International Priority, and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Shipments will only be sent to the registered bidder address, re-routing shipments is not permitted. All shipments require a direct signature, no exceptions. Shipping to certain countries is extremely expensive and will be invoiced according to dimensional weight as required! By law the full value is required by customs for international shipments. Please inquire before bidding! International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000