French physician (1781-1826) who invented the stethoscope in 1816 and pioneered its use for diagnosing chest problems. ALS in French, one page both sides, 8 x 9.75, August 25, 1803. Letter to his father regarding the presentation of his first prize awards in both medicine and surgery, in part (translated): "Don't talk about the event yet. It will be public in Paris 16 fructidor [September 3]. The day before yesterday the Monitor announced it. It will take place with the greatest pomp. Don't forget...to send 300 francs or at least 150...it is very important that I be properly outfitted so that I can introduce myself to various persons who could be useful to me.
I would like very much to go to Nantes to see you because that would be of great benefit to my health. But it will be difficult to find the time because the Competition for the prizes established by M. de Lapeyronie for students of the Ecole Pratique will take place at the beginning of vendemiaire [late September]. I could return to Paris at the beginning of brumaire [late October] and take my introductory examinations, do my thesis, and my course in anatomical pathology." Reverse of second integral page, trimmed to a size of 7.5 x 6, bears an address panel in Laennec's hand which retains most of its red wax seal. In very good to fine condition, with intersecting folds, a couple small spots of ink erosion and paper loss to edge (not affecting legibility), and some scattered mild toning.
Upon entering the Ecole Pratique in Paris at the turn of the century, Rene Laennec immediately thrived as a student; publishing his first major scientific paper in 1802, describing a series of six cases of peritonitis (now considered the first description of this disease entity), he was recognized by the medical community as a leading scholar in the nature of disease before even receiving his diploma. The following year, he was awarded the school's first prizes in both medicine and surgery. Sharing the news with his father just days after the event was announced in the Monitor, the official government newspaper, he stresses the importance of looking the part, "so that I can introduce myself to various persons who could be useful to me." With such key figures as Minister of the Interior Jean-Antoine Chaptal, who presented the awards, and Francois Gigot de la Peyronie, the famed surgeon of both Louis XIV and Louis XV, the event held major networking opportunities. Balancing the heavy load of his studies with his own fragile health-constant respiratory difficulties, which he typically relieved by visiting Nantes for its rejuvenating fresh air, this is an extraordinary letter from the start of Laennec's distinguished career.
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