VLÈS (Fred Manuel Raoul) - Lot 288

Lot 288
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150 - 180 EUR
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VLÈS (Fred Manuel Raoul) - Lot 288
VLÈS (Fred Manuel Raoul) Born in Le Havre, 1885 - died in Dachau, 1944. French zoologist, biologist and physiologist, pioneer of biological physical chemistry. Autograph letter signed "Fred Vlès" addressed to Madame de Rougemont. Paris, April 4, 1917. 2 ½ pages small in-4. Printed letterhead: Hôpital militaire d'Instruction du Val-de-Grâce - Laboratoire de vaccination antityphoïdique de l'Armée. With envelope. Interesting letter written at the height of the First World War, revealing the precautions taken by the scientist in a context marked by the fear of espionage and the constraints of military service. Acknowledging receipt of a letter, Vlès explains the reasons why he has not yet sent certain corrections: on the one hand, the uncertainty linked to experimental conditions ("the rain made oil painting the only thing possible in the forest"), and on the other, the constant modifications imposed on calculations in progress, making any communication premature. He also stresses his refusal to "risk original measurements in the care of a post office, even a military one", underlining the value and sensitivity of scientific documents. The letter offers a lively overview of his work and methods, and contains an explicit recommendation not to alter the names of the products on his sheets. Finally, it refers to movements of scientific personnel and concludes on a more personal note, tinged with humor, concerning the climatic conditions and health risks incurred by her correspondent. A significant testimony to wartime scientific activity, at the crossroads of biological research and military imperatives. Fred Vlès, who served in the First World War, was twice called up for military service. During the Second World War, after escaping a roundup, he gave himself up voluntarily to avoid reprisals and was deported to Dachau, where he died in the so-called "death convoy". Good condition.
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