title: A letter signed: the very beginnings of Dalton's atomic theory.
abstract: This paper explores the provenance and content of a previously unknown personal letter by John Dalton (1766-1844), which is dated 12 April 1803. It relates to a startling breakthrough in Dalton's research, which pre-dates by five months the earliest date in his laboratory notebook, namely, 6 September 1803. The author acquired the letter about thirty years ago, and now offers it to the public. He makes no attempt to explain how it contributes to--or even changes--our understanding of Dalton, but leaves that privilege to Dalton scholars.
authors.affiliation: herbertpratt@verizon.net
authors.forename: Herbert T
authors.initials: HT
authors.lastname: Pratt
mesh_terms: D002627:Chemistry, Physical / Q000266:history*; D004739:England; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D009678:Nuclear Energy / Q000266:history*