PORTIER (Paul) - Lot 239

Lot 239
Go to lot
Estimation :
40 - 50 EUR
Bid on drouot.com
PORTIER (Paul) - Lot 239
PORTIER (Paul) Bar-sur-Seine, 1866 - 1962. French marine biologist. Deputy director at the École pratique des hautes études (1906). Autograph letter signed "P. Portier", addressed to "Mon cher Maurice". S.l.n.d. 2 pages in-8. Printed letterhead: "Université de Paris, Faculté des Sciences, Laboratoire de physiologie comparée, Sorbonne, 1 rue Victor-Cousin (5e)". A curious and lively letter mixing personal confidences and scientific concerns, in which Portier reproaches his correspondent for concealing his successes "from his friends", while expressing his desire to attend "this beautiful master's degree in Dijon", probably a musical or academic event. Not without irony, he evokes the Latin phrase "margaritas ante porcos", lamenting that certain merits are poorly appreciated, before turning to his own activities: he undertakes to "redo [his] practical education in electricity", frankly acknowledging his shortcomings in this field. Finally, he announces the forthcoming installation of his equipment and the planned meeting with a certain "Frank". An engaging document, revealing the personality of a scientist in full adaptation to the technical advances of his time, as well as the friendly and intellectual ties within the Parisian scientific milieu of the early XXᵉ century.
My orders
Sale information
Sales conditions
Return to catalogue