Gustave FLAUBERT Signed Autograph Letter Double Autograph Academy 1865

  
A page in-8 on blue paper. Fine restoration on the left margin. Size: 20.7 x 13.8 cm. Unpublished letter in the correspondence of the Pléiade. One of the few that has survived from Gustave Flaubert to the great scientist who entered the Pantheon in 1907. Gustave Flaubert, in 1865, was deeply involved in the progress of L'Éducation sentimentale, in contact with many scientists, and he supported Marcellin Berthelot's academic endeavors with the Academy of Sciences on several occasions. In 1861, the Academy awarded the scientist the Jocker prize for his research on the artificial reproduction of organic compounds through organic synthesis. Two years later, the main professors of the Collège de France and the members of the chemistry section of the Academy of Sciences requested the government to create a chair of organic chemistry at the Collège de France for the young preparator. The Minister of Public Instruction, Mr.

Victor Duruy, welcomed this initiative, and on August 8, 1865, the chair was established, which Mr. Berthelot occupied continuously since that time. Flaubert resided at 42 Boulevard du Temple from 1856 to 1869. He left this apartment for 4 Rue Murillo across from Parc Monceau.

These two lines written by Marcellin Berthelot are likely the results of chemical analysis of the two vials mentioned by Flaubert: "Mineral soap. Hydrate of ferruginous alumina, mixed with some crystals of sea salt. I am working on your request. Tell me which members of the Academy of Sciences you are unsure about.

Enclosed are the two vials I mentioned. [In the hand of Marcellin Berthelot:]. Hydrate of ferruginous alumina, mixed with. Some crystals of sea salt. Below is a portrait of Marcellin Berthelot in 1890. Gustave Flaubert by Carjat, circa 1865 (Source: Municipal Library of Rouen).