TLS on Lake Shore Club of Chicago letterhead, dated Nov 15-49. The letter reads "Dear Jimmy-Your nicely written letter is a delight to read. I hope you will study hard and graduate with honors-and go on to make a grand success of your life. Sincerely Yours Lee de Forest" in fountain pen ink. Excellent condition. (1873-1961) Lee de Forest was an American inventor and a fundamentally important early pioneer in electronics. He invented the first practical electronic amplifier, the three-element "Audion" triode vacuum tube in 1906. This helped start the Electronic Age and enabled the development of the electronic oscillator. These made radio broadcasting and long-distance telephone lines possible and led to the development of talking motion pictures, among countless other applications.He had over 300 patents worldwide, but also a tumultuous career — he boasted that he made, then lost four fortunes. He was also involved in several major patent lawsuits, spent a substantial part of his income on legal bills, and was even tried (and acquitted) for mail fraud.Despite this, he was recognized for his pioneering work with the 1922 IEEE Medal of Honor, the 1923 Franklin Institute Elliott Cresson Medal and the 1946 American Institute of Electrical Engineers Edison Medal.This lot came from the Jim Wiggins collection we purchased in July 2022. Jim Wiggins accumulated the most unique and valuable autograph collection over a period of 70-plus years. He obtained his collection either in person or by writing to persons of fame and notoriety. Comes with a full Letter of Authenticity from Todd Mueller Authentics.