Autograph Letter Signed by Indian engineering pioneer Ardaseer Cursetjee 1840

CURSETJEE, Ardaseer (1808-1877).  Autograph letter signed from the Indian engineering pioneer to Charles Manby, engineer. 28 April 1840.
 
Single sheet folded, written on one side. Dated at head 28 April 1840. Vertical fold from posting. A clean example, in very good condition.
 
An autograph letter from Ardaseer Cursetjee (1808–1877), addressed to Charles Manby, civil engineer and long-serving Secretary of the Institution of Civil Engineers. Cursetjee writes to arrange a visit, asking when it would be convenient “to show me the glass works and some other curiosities that you so kindly promised me to show the other day,” apologising for delay due to being busy, and proposing any day in the present or following week.
 
Cursetjee was a Parsi engineer associated with the Bombay Dockyard and early developments in steam navigation in India. He travelled to Britain for technical study and professional engagement, establishing connections within leading engineering circles. In 1841 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society, becoming the first Indian to receive that distinction.
 
He occupies an established place in Indian scientific history and was commemorated on Indian stamp issued, reflecting his recognition as a pioneer of modern engineering in India. He introduced gas lighting, the sewing machine and steam pump driving irrigation to Bombay. 
 
Autograph material from Cursetjee is uncommon, particularly from this early phase of his career and addressed to a central figure in Victorian engineering administration.