On offer is a fine example of a letter written to a very senior member of the French nobility and an important pioneer in public health in the Paris of the early 19th century. The letter was written to François Alexandre Frédéric de La Rochefoucauld-Liancourt. François Alexandre Frédéric de La Rochefoucauld-Liancourt. was a very prominent member of the French aristocracy. He was also a significant social reformer of the time. He was very active in the administration and operations of medical facilities. He was one of the first promoters of vaccinations in France. He had established a dispensary in Paris and he was an active member of the central boards of administration for hospitals. It was in these circumstances that he received a letter from Charles Dormas requesting an appointment to the Hospital of St. Pierre to fill an administrative position, as indicated in this excerpt: On m'a dit Monsieur le Duc, que vous etes administer de l'hospital de St. Pierre, cette charge de luisfais avec vous attire lui de solicitations importance... [Translation: I have been told, Monsieur le Duc, that you are the administrator of the hospital of St. Peter's, that this responsibility of doing business with you attracts considerable important solicitations...] Dormas goes on to point out how he would be able to carry out the duties involved in a very satisfactory manner. This letter is an excellent example of the type of private solicitation that was common for those seeking appointment in France and is a direct connection to one of France’s great noble families. It is a fine piece of primary material for a social historian of that period. It would also be an excellent addition to the personal library of a medical professional The letter measures 8.0 inches by 6.25 inches. The recto contains the text of the letter while the verso contains the full address of the recipient. The letter is in good condition and the handwriting is legible.
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