ALS in Gujarati, signed “Bapu’s Blessings,” two pages both sides, 5 x 8.25, August 16, 1932. Letter written from Yeravada prison to his friend Dr. Behram Navroji Khambatta. At the age of 63, incarcerated by the British yet again, Gandhi discusses his aches and pains at length with a medical friend. In part: “I would like to inform you that I have managed to procure the oil. I am not worried whether I get relief from the pain or not. But I was aware that your love formed the ingredient of the oil, which when the bottle gets over, I will ask them to massage it. How can I avail of the sun’s rays now? Once it clears up, I will I apply a paste of mud mixed with rain water. The thing is, the actual cause of pain is not known, so the cure isn’t easy. It’s not muscular pain, but the elbow bone. It’s the left elbow and pain when the bone is pressed or during certain movement of the hand, otherwise it’s all right. It’s my belief it’s a sign of old age, in which case any treatment is useless. Still, your treatment is harmless, so I will not stop it. I would really like to call you, but the only way I could get permission for you would be as my osteopath. I do not want to do that. It would mean being under their obligation, and if they refuse, I wouldn’t like it. So I think it’s horrible to let things just be. There is nothing wrong with my right elbow yet. The right thumb is used to pain while writing. I feel it healed only with rest. If it pains again, I’ll rest it. Mahadgo massages are daily…Andreros has gone to see Guruder’s grand daughter. I have to take your lumbago medicine, isn’t it? For that fasting, special bath & naturopathy would be the only use…Fasting helps, but eventually we are at the mercy of God Light.” Intersecting mailing folds, several small stamps, staple holes to top left, and a few small filing notations, otherwise fine condition. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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