BOUCHARD (Charles Jacques). Born in Montier-en-Der (Haute-Ma - Lot 9

BOUCHARD (Charles Jacques). Born in Montier-en-Der (Haute-Marne) in 1837, died in 1915. French physician, anatomopathologist, biologist and clinician. Autograph prescription signed "Bouchard". 174, rue de Rivoli [Paris], December 19, 1885. 2 pp. in-12 on wove paper. Curious and interesting hygienic-medical prescription by the famous clinician Charles Bouchard, famous in particular for his work on nutritional and metabolic diseases. The document details a veritable therapeutic program comprising pharmaceutical prescriptions, body care and a particularly strict diet. Bouchard's recommendations include: "Every morning, rub the whole body dry with a horsehair glove". as well as "Twice a week, a 15-minute lukewarm bath...". and again: "When the warm weather returns, take a daily cold shower in a broken horizontal column lasting fifteen seconds." The treatment is accompanied by precise dietary instructions: "Eat slowly - chew carefully". and : "Avoid liquid foods, fats, raw vegetables, spices, vinegar..." Bouchard also strictly limits the intake of beverages with meals, and prescribes several pills including vomiting walnut extract, rhubarb powder and gentian extract. A fine example of late 19th-century hygienist medicine, combining digestive therapy, hydrotherapy and dietary discipline. A revealing document of Bouchard's medical conceptions, which linked obesity, diabetes and gout to a slowdown in nutrient reactions. A well-preserved set, of great interest for the history of medicine and therapeutic practices.