LALANDE JOSEPH: (1732-1807) French Astronomer, Freemason and Writer. A.L.S., Dela Lande, one page, 8vo, Paris, 15th March 1782, to Comte de Saluce, in French. Lalande informs his correspondent 'Your reputation in the Sciences… inspired me with the confidence to ask you for some enlightenment for the second edition of my book Voyage to Italy.' Continuing 'The establishment of the Academy of Sciences and that of the Fine Arts are two subjects of which I would like to be able to indicate the date and the current constitution, and if there are any other notable establishments since 1766…' Adding 'I spoke in my first edition of you Sir, of Messieurs Michelotti, Gerdil, d'Antoni, Allions, Gaber, Cigna, Carcia, Bartoli, Ansaldi, Pasin, Berta, Savi… others whose celebrity warrants quoting/including… I would very much like it if you would be kind enough to point them out to me.' Further adding 'Travellers and the public that make frequent use of this book will share my recognition and I will not allow them to be ignored in my preface, and a Monsieur the Baron of Choiseul will voluntarily be responsible for passing this memoire to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.' Concluding 'I would also very much like to know when Le Probeccaria died, where Cardinal Girdil is, how many printed volumes in your Academy… ' With blank integral leaf. With a piece torn from the bottom right corner, not affecting text or signature, with signs of former mounting to verso with one corner having a small portion missing. G £100-150