Ferdinand von Mueller

1

MS black-edged; M's sister Bertha died on 7 September 1861.

Melbourne bot. Garden

19/4/62.

Dear Mr Bentham.

My excellent friend J. W. Osborne Esq, the administrator of our photolithographic Governments Institution, being on leave of absence for the purpose of studying in Europe and especially at the forthcoming Exhibition

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London International Exhibition, 1862.

the recent progress of chemical discoveries in relation to technology I regard it as important, that I should introduce my friend to you, as the President of the great & influential Linnéan Society, because I feel persuaded, that you will with your usual desire to promote scientific researches, kindly facilitate Mr Osbornes mission by introducing him to those of the Linnean members, who can aid him in his inquiries.

Mr Osborne has vastly improved the photolithographic methods by his own discoveries, is a most learned chemist & well-informed technologist, and is most desirous to make the recent discoveries in his profession available to the public-service of this country, to which he is an ornament.

3

See also M to J. Hooker, 24 April 1862 (in this edition as 62-04-24a).