TLS, one page, 8.5 x 11, Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research letterhead, February 4, 1937. Letter to a colleague’s widow. In part: “It was very thoughtful of you to write me and to enclose the clipping concerning the death of Doctor Brindisi. I appreciated greatly the interest Doctor Brindisi took in my book, and his wish to present it to his fellow countrymen through the Gazzetta del Massachusetts…I read with especial interest your husband’s article, ‘Idee e Pratica dell’Igiene.’ I was particularly impressed by the beauty of his literary style. May I express my deep sympathy for the great loss that you have suffered?” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. In fine condition, with a touch of mild toning, and intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature.
In 1935, Carrel published a best-selling book titled L'Homme, cet inconnu (Man, The Unknown) which advocated, in part, that mankind could better itself by following the guidance of an elite group of intellectuals, and by implementing a regime of enforced eugenics. Carrel claimed the existence of a "hereditary biological aristocracy" and argued that "deviant" human types should be suppressed using techniques (including “a suitable gas, would allow the humanitarian and economic disposal of those who have killed, committed armed robbery, kidnapped children, robbed the poor or seriously betrayed public confidence”) similar to those later employed by the Nazis.
Carrel’s reference to his book being promoted by Brindisi via the Itailian-American newspaper Gazzetta del Massachusetts would have been used as fodder to further racist causes in the United States. Interestingly, Carrel’s sincere, private message to his colleague’s widow mirrors the contributions of the man who advanced the study of wound antisepsis and organ transplants, yet still stands in harsh contrast to his more extreme views on forced euthanasia. RRAuction COA.
