RICHARD (Adolphe). Born 1823, died 1872. French surgeon. - Lot 174

RICHARD (Adolphe). Born 1823, died 1872. French surgeon. L.A.S. "Adolphe Richard" to Germain Baillière. S.l., August 21, 1866. 1 1/2 pages in-12. Embossed paper with his initials "A.D.R.". Interesting letter to his publisher Germain Baillière concerning the preparation and illustration of his book Pratique journalière de la chirurgie, then in press. Richard describes in detail the material and technical difficulties involved in engraving the plates and composing the book. He discusses the changes made to the initial layout, as well as the need to reduce the number of drawings: "I've thought about your so-called railroad proposal... I've made several important modifications... We'll have very few drawings this time and I'm going to limit myself a lot..." In a familiar, direct tone, the surgeon humorously reproaches his publisher for having "left him in the lurch", while continuing to arbitrate with him on illustrations and the overall economy of the volume. He also mentions Phillips' plates and the engraving of the most important plates in the work. A fine letter that bears witness to the relationship between medical authors and scientific publishers under the Second Empire, as well as to the technical constraints of surgical illustration in the 19th century. Very legible, well-preserved document.