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Letter from Alexander Nasmyth to William Buckland, 1838

Letter from Alexander Nasmyth to William Buckland, posted in 1838

The letter addressed to "Dr. Buckland, Christ Church, Oxford", written and sealed by Alexander Nasmyth, dentist of Hanover Square, London. It was posted between November 25^th and 28^th 1839, charged 8d (eight Pence) and marked as "PAID" on November 29^th. The black boxed handstamp says, "NEW BO", a London postal marking indicating the letter was posted from New Bond Street's post office (only a few minutes walk from Hanover Square).

"PAID" hand stamps of London	The seal of Alexander Nasmyth

This is a pre-stamp era letter, posted two years before the introduction of the Penny Black (the world's first adhesive postage stamp issued in 1840). At that time, mail was usually paid by the recipient, and markings such as "Paid" and handstamps were applied by postal clerks to indicate handling and fees.

The reverse side of the cover bears a red wax seal with Nasmyth’s monogram and family crest: the hand holding a sword palewise Argent, between two broken hammers, which symbolizes strength through labor and the legacy of craftsmanship.

The letter was addressed to a leading geologist and paleontologist of the time, Professor of Geology at the University of Oxford – William Buckland who was the first Reader in Geology at Oxford, appointed in 1818, and still actively held the post in 1838. His correspondence was often sought for both geological advice and fossil access.
In this letter, Alexander Nasmyth respectfully requests William Buckland’s assistance in locating fossil teeth specimens. Nasmyth explains that he is preparing a publication based on his investigations into the structure of teeth, including comparisons between fossil and living species.
He mentions that his research builds on, but also differs from, the earlier work of a prominent Swedish anatomist and anthropologist Anders Retzius (notably known for identifying growth lines in enamel, or "Striae of Retzius"). Retzius is particularly known for his work on tooth and bone microstructure, and in this case, Nasmyth is referencing Retzius's influential research on the internal structure of teeth. Retzius was one of the first scientists to systematically study the microscopic structure of enamel and dentin, contributing to both comparative anatomy and paleontology.
Nasmyth emphasizes that his approach and methods are original and that he aims to present these findings in a manner useful to geologists. His hope is that Buckland, as a leading figure in geology and paleontology, might know of or have access to relevant fossil material. This letter reflects the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of early 19^th century science, particularly between the emerging fields of anatomy and paleontology.

Here is the content of the letter:

           13A George Street, Hanover Square, 25 November 1838.
Sir,

The letter from Alexander Nasmyth to Prof. William Buckland, written on November 25th, 1838.

Might I request the favour of you to inform me whether at present you know of any fossils which are to be disposer of containing teeth. I have been for a long time preparing for press a series of investigations on the structure of the teeth combining those of Retzius. I mean to give delineation of the appearances observable in as many fossil teeth as I can get hold of in connection with those I have already prepared of living species. My observations having been conducted on other principles than those who have gone before me have led me to results considerably different, and having adopted a more simple and better plan for preparing the Lectures, the whole I think may prove useful to the Geologist. If you can direct me to any thing which can be obtained I shall feel particularly obliged, and trust you will excuse the liberty I take thus troubling you, and believe me
    Sir Very Respectfully
     Your Obst St [Your Obedient Servant]
      Alexr Nasmyth

In the following year (1839) Alexander Nasmyth published the book "Researches on the Development, Structure, and Diseases of the Teeth" in which he discussed a structure in tooth enamel (later named after him “Nasmyth's membrane”) and mentioned several fossil teeth of horse, elephant and Orycteropus. He also made some references to publications of the most famous paleontologist of that time - Georges Cuvier. In this work Alexander Nasmyth conducted a comprehensive study of dental anatomy, focusing on both living and fossilized specimens. This comparative approach was intended to shed light on the development and structural variations of teeth across different species and time periods.
Nasmyth's investigations were notable for their use of microscopy to analyze the enamel and dentin structures of teeth, contributing significantly to the understanding of dental histology. His work laid the groundwork for future studies in both dentistry and paleontology.

Teeth of Neanderthal and prehistoric animals on international postage stamps.
From the left to the right: Neanderthal and Woolly Mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) teeth on stamps of Jersey 2010; molar teeth of prehistoric primate (Ramapithecus sivalensis) and giraffe (Giraffa punjjabiensis) on stamps of Nepal 2013; jaw of Cave Lion (Panthera leo spelaea) and Mastodon's tooth (Anancus arvernensis) on stamps of Slovenia from 2017 and 2018 accordingly; teeth of prehistoric rodent (Canaanimy maquiensis) on stamp of Peru from 2013; teeth of sabre-toothed cat (Homotherium latidens), Woolly Mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius), Woolly Rhinoceros (Coelodonta antiquitatis) and Mastodon (Anancus arvernensis) on personalized stamp of the Netherlands from 2023 and 2024.


Note: The author was unable to locate a response from William Buckland to Alexander Nasmyth’s 1838 letter in the Bodleian Library and other known archives. If such a reply exists, the author would be sincerely grateful for any assistance in locating it.
The archive of the Oxford University Museum of Natural History contain the letter from Professor Richard Owen to William Buckland, written on December 12^th, 1838 (WB/A/1/341) which mentioned Owen and Nasmyth receiving a notice from Buckland. Owen implied that he introduced Nasmyth to Anders Retzius’ work.

I have to thank you for the friendly notice you have given to me and at the same time sent to Mr Nasmyth that gent is a fellow of the G.S. and a dentist who owes his first acquaintance with the tubular structure of the teeth & the works of Retzius to me I perceive that no time must be lost in this age of active enquiry and acquisitiveness.

Owen seems to have been included in this teeth discussion as he wrote this letter less than a month after Alexander Nasmyth sent the letter to Professor William Buckland.

Following the publication of Nasmyth’s Researches on the Development, Structure, and Diseases of the Teeth, Richard Owen sharply criticised his work in the medical press, most notably in The Lancet in 1840.
Owen accused Nasmyth of having reproduced ideas derived from continental microscopic research, particularly that of Theodor Schwann (published in 1839, in German in Berlin), without sufficient acknowledgement, and he challenged both Nasmyth’s originality and his interpretation of dental histology. Nasmyth rejected these accusations and defended the independence of his observations, stating that he was not aware of Schwann's publication.
In the 19^th century, well before the invention of the internet and even the telephone, keeping abreast of newly published foreign-language literature was often difficult. In this context, Nasmyth’s assertion that he was unaware of Schwann’s work, which had appeared only shortly before his own publication, appears plausible.

It is notable that Owen’s accusations followed a critical anonymous review published in the London Medical Gazette on July 10^th, 1840. The reviewer remarked that similar observations had already appeared elsewhere and, significantly, reproached Owen for failing to cite the recent work of Alexander Nasmyth on the structure of teeth.
Given that both Owen and Nasmyth were members of the Royal College of Surgeons in London, moved within overlapping professional circles, and that Owen appears to have personally introduced Nasmyth to Anders Retzius’ work, it is plausible to suggest that Owen may have drawn upon Nasmyth’s observations.

Alexander Nasmyth (1789–1848), was a Scottish dental surgeon and anatomist, best known for his work on the structure of teeth, member of the Royal College of Surgeons, London; fellow of the Royal Medical and Chirurgical Society.
He was well known as an anatomist and surgeon-dentist: elected Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1844, appointed dentist to Queen Victoria since 1845.

Alexander Nasmyth by Francis Grant. Image credit: Science Museum Group

Whilst practising at 13A George Street, Hanover Square in London, he had a house at Great Malvern, where he died on August 4th, 1848. He made valuable donations to the Royal College of Surgeons Museum, and was included in Richard Owen's "Lists of Donors of Specimens presented to the Museum, 1832-1856".
Nasmyth worked harmoniously with Edwin Saunders (the first dental surgeon to be knighted), in connection with the dental treatment of cleft palate. He became paralysed in the spring of 1846, when Saunders undertook his practice at an hour's notice and carried it on successfully.

The thin membrane covering the enamel of an unworn tooth is known as Nasmyth’s membrane, was recognised before Nasmyth’s 1839 publication, but he was the first to clearly identify, describe, and interpret it as a distinct anatomical structure.
In 1835, the Russian-German anatomist and physiologist Isaac Raschkow described a comparable membrane in Meletemata circa mammalium dentium evolutionem, one of the earliest systematic studies of mammalian tooth development. Two years later, in 1837, Anders Retzius reported the presence of a perforated membrane in fossil horse teeth, although he did not identify its connection to the enamel.
The name Nasmyth’s membrane was first introduced in 1853 by Thomas Huxley, best known as a major supporter of Darwin’s theory of evolution and a prominent opponent of Richard Owen’s theories, in his paper On the Development of the Teeth and on the Nature and Import of Nasmyth’s Persistent Capsule. In that article, Huxley noted that despite the importance of Nasmyth’s discovery, it was overlooked in major contemporary works, including Richard Owen’s Odontography and Koelliker’s Mikroskopische Anatomie.
No question has ever been raised as to the right of Mr Nasmyth to this discovery; but it is remarkable, that neither in Professor Owen's 'Odontography', which is the first subsequent work upon the teeth, nor in Professor Kolliker's 'Mikroskopische Anatomie', which is the last, is there any notice of Mr Nasmyth's discovery.



William Buckland (1784–1856) was a leading geologist and paleontologist of the time, the first professor of geology in England, known for presenting the first scientific description of a dinosaur and for his effort to reconcile geological discoveries with the Bible and antievolutionary theories.

The most famous teeth studied by Buckland was a jaw collected around Oxfordshire in the late 17^th century. Buckland did not know to what animal these bones belonged, he thought it was likely amphibious, living partially in land and water and he called it Megalosaurus, or great lizard.

	William Buckland and the Megalosaurus jaw on postmark of South Korea 2001.
The Reverend William Buckland. Image credit: Wikimedia	The jaw of Megalosaurus	Megalosaurus on one of the "Dinosaurs" stamps of UK 2013, MiNr.: 3534, Scott: 3236.

When Buckland realized from the shape of its teeth, that Megalosaurus was carnivorous he found himself in trouble.

The University of Oxford is one of the world's most prestigious universities, was established in the 12^th century, with teaching beginning around 1096 and it is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. The University of Oxford was initially founded to train clergy and scholars in theology, philosophy, and the liberal arts. The influence of religion remained in Oxford very strong in the 19^th century. The goal of the science was to confirm Biblical scripture. Professors who tried to teach something contrary to the Bible could be banned from the University.

According to the Christian faith carnivorous animals were associated with violence, and evil had only begun on Earth with human decadence — with original sin. In the Garden of Eden, everything was peaceful and beautiful, and this carnivorous beast did not fit, it could not have been created by God. So, Buckland, who spent much of his early career trying to demonstrate the reality of the biblical flood using geological evidence, justified it by saying that Megalosaurus was a perfect killing machine, capable of causing death without pain, so God created it to eliminate suffering in an effective way.

Buckland's work proving that Kirkdale Cave had been a prehistoric hyaena den, for which he was awarded the Copley Medal, was widely praised as an example of how detailed scientific analysis could be used to understand geo-history by reconstructing events from deep time.
He was a pioneer in the use of fossilized feces, for which he coined the term coprolites, to reconstruct ancient ecosystems. Buckland was a proponent of the Gap Theory that interpreted the biblical account of Genesis as referring to two separate episodes of creation separated by a lengthy period; it emerged in the late 18^th and early 19^th centuries as a way to reconcile the scriptural account with discoveries in geology that suggested the earth was very old.
Early in his career he believed that he had found geologic evidence of the biblical flood, but later became convinced that the glaciation theory of Louis Agassiz provided a better explanation, and he played an important role in promoting that theory in Great Britain.

Acknowledgements

• Many thanks to Mrs. Marina Afonso, Project Archivist and Dr. Emma Nicholls, Collections Manager of Vertebrate Palaeontology at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, for their kind assistance.
• Many thanks to Dr. Peter Voice from Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Western Michigan University, for reviewing the draft page and his very valuable comments.

References:

• Alexander Nasmyth (1789-1848):
  Royal College of Surgeons of England, Science Museum Group. Dental Historian, Nr. 45, July 2007 (PDF file), Dental Historian, vol. 63(1), January 2018 (PDF file),
  • "Researches on the Development, Structure, and Diseases of the Teeth" - Google Books
  • Origins, Myths and Legends of the Naysmith name: Naysmith family blog, the Heraldry Society
  • Edwin Saunders (partner of Alexander Nasmyth), personal dentist of Queen Victoria: Wikipedia
• William Buckland (1784-1856):
  Wikipedia, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Linda Hall.
• Correspondence and papers of William Buckland
  • Bodleian Archives & Manuscripts, Zoological Society of London.
  • "The life and correspondence of William Buckland", by Gordon, E. O.
• Anders Retzius (1796-1860):
  Wikipedia, Encyclopaedia Britannica,