1890.09.08 English

Christian Barnholdt: This is the last known letter, written by Rasmus Malling-Hansen short before his death on September 27, 1890. RMH’s handwriting is not easy to read (evil toungues maintain that this was the reason why he had to invent a typewriter, for people to be able to read his letters). However, deciphering the 20 page handwritten application for a patent from 1870 has given me some practice.

 

 

Royal Institution for the Deaf and Dumb in Copenhagen[1]

 

 

 

 

September 8, 1890

 

 

 

                                   My dearest brother!

 

 

Thank you most sincerely for your dear letter and congratulations![2] My birthday was very pleasant, except for the fact that in the evening I suffered a severe attack of chest cramp[3], probably because I had been careless with my diet on that day, as well as the two previous days, when my wife and I went to Kapers in Taarbæk[4], and had a marvellous time. However, the day after I was feeling well. Bech and his wife[5] came back already at the end of last month; they appear to be delighted and to fit very well together.  The lovely autumn weather we have had the last 9 days must be a true blessing; congratulations that you can now finish your harvest and that, for once, it has been a good one. I am pleased to hear what you are writing about our cousin in Nakskov[6]. I wonder why for such a long time he hasn’t paid me a visit ?

 

 

I sincerely hope you have overcome you throat problems. Warmest regards to all of you from us all.Your devoted and faithful brother

 

 

R. Malling-Hansen

 

 

[1] This is the official title of the institute, as it was translated at the time of RMH.

[2] RMH turned 55 on September 5, 1890

[3] Undoubtedly, this was an indication of what was to end his life three weeks later when he died from heart failure

[4] A small seaside community by Øresund (the strait between Denmark and Sweden) situated north of Copenhagen

[5] RMHs daugther Zarah had married Fritz August Bech a few months earlier. Bech was a teacher a the school, and later became principal of the twin school in Fredericia - opened on RMHs suggestion.

[6] Nakskov is a provincial town situated at the western end of  RMHs native island of Lolland.