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GUILLOTIN, Joseph-Ignace.
See original version (French)
56
-
GUILLOTIN, Joseph-Ignace.
See original version (French)
Estimate €1,800 - €2,000
Voluntary lot
Description
GUILLOTIN, Joseph-Ignace.
[MEDICAL MANUSCRIPT – 18th CENTURY]
Very small in-4. (3)-130 hand-numbered folios and (210) folios, part of which are left blank at the end. Modest, unmarked contemporary fawn sheepskin (binding rubbed, a few scuffs and wear but structurally sound; various stains, particularly on the first few leaves; a few foxing spots).
MEDICAL MANUSCRIPT by the famous GUILLOTIN, inventor of the guillotine.
Joseph-Ignace GUILLOTIN.
(probably in Reims), 1764.
A medical manuscript by Joseph-Ignace Guillotin, featuring his handwritten ex libris dated 1764 at the beginning of the volume.
A composite volume bound at a later date, it comprises several medical manuscripts, Latin copies or medical treatises. Indeed, several different handwritings can be seen. It seems quite plausible that a sort of mutual aid scheme enabled students of limited means to gain access to the contents of these works. Indeed, Guillotin was able to complete his medical studies thanks to scholarships.
This manuscript consists mainly of writings on women’s ailments.
Its final handwritten pages have been supplemented with various recipes and remedies.
In 1763, Guillotin chose to study medicine, first in Reims, where tuition fees were lower, and then in 1768 in Paris, thanks to scholarships. A doctor and revolutionary, he was one of the drafters of the Paris ‘cahier de doléances’ and a deputy in the Constituent National Assembly; he is remembered as the famous but ill-fated inventor of the guillotine, whilst as a doctor and politician, Joseph-Ignace is
A voluminous, personal medical manuscript from his youth, intellectually coherent and bearing the mark of direct involvement, this work is a small historical record.
Very few of Guillotin’s archives or manuscripts have survived; there is no truly significant collection of manuscripts comparable to those of other revolutionary figures. Generally, only a few documents relating to his role as a deputy in the Estates General can be found, and small collections—lacking depth or specific content—are held in public archives (in France, New York and Philadelphia).
CAPITAL PUNISHMENT. DEATH SENTENCE.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
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