GÉRANDO (Joseph-Marie de, known as Degérando). - Lot 92

Lot 92
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GÉRANDO (Joseph-Marie de, known as Degérando). - Lot 92
GÉRANDO (Joseph-Marie de, known as Degérando). Born in Lyon, 1772 - died in Paris, 1842. Linguist, pedagogue and philosopher, author of major treatises on the education of the deaf and dumb; considered one of the precursors of modern anthropology. Conseiller d'État, member of the Académie des sciences morales et politiques. Autograph letter signed "B. de Gérando", addressed to M. Chiappe. Paris, April 26 (s.d.). 2 3/4 pages large in-4. Mention of subscription. Slight tear at seal break. Important letter concerning the reform of primary education and its dissemination in outlying territories, particularly Corsica. Gérando describes with conviction the efforts undertaken "over the past two years to improve primary education", which he describes as a "gentle, beneficial revolution", in contrast to the violent upheavals of the time. He mentions the support of the Minister of the Interior, Lainé, and the plan to introduce these new teaching methods in Corsica, in order to contribute to the progress of the island's "civilization and industry". The letter details the resources required to implement the project: a teacher trained in the new methods would be sent to Corsica, and his expenses would be covered by the Ministry, but additional funding would be needed to enable his family to settle in permanently. Gérando proposed the creation of a solidarity fund based on voluntary subscription, a model already tried and tested in several départements. In a committed style, he solicits his correspondent's support, urging him to become "the benefactor of [his] fatherland", and underlines the example such a commitment could set, citing Pozzo di Borgo in particular. This document sheds light on the intellectual and political networks mobilized around educational reform under the Restoration, as well as the quasi-missionary dimension attached to the spread of education. Letter probably addressed to Ange-Marie Chiappe (1766-1822), Corsican deputy to the National Convention.
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