BESSEMER HENRY: (1813-1898) Englis inventor whose steel making process would become the most important technique for making steel in the 19^th century for almost one hundred years from 1856-1950. A.L.S., H Bessemer, one page, 8vo, Denmark Hill, Surrey, 20^th May 1879, to Mr. Cooke, on Bessemer's personal monogrammed black bordered mourning stationery. Bessemer informs his correspondent that he has just returned to London for one day, remarking 'I regret that my return to the country will prevent my having the pleasure of seeing you for a few weeks'. With blank integral leaf. VG

Bessemer's letter was written just over a month before he was knighted by Queen Victoria for his contribution to science, on 26^th June 1879, and in the same year that he was made a fellow of the Royal Society.