ROGER (Henri, Louis). Born in Paris in 1809, died in 1891. F - Lot 177

ROGER (Henri, Louis). Born in Paris in 1809, died in 1891. French physician, specialist in childhood diseases. Member of the Académie de médecine in 1862. L.A.S. "Dr. Henri Roger" to Dr. Masséi. Paris, October 3, 1884. 2 pp. 2/3 in-8. Printed letterhead of the "Association Générale de Prévoyance et de Secours Mutuels des Médecins de France", of which Roger is president. Moving letter concerning the cholera epidemic of 1884 in the South of France, addressed to a colleague in Toulon. Henri Roger writes with concern about the spread of cholera and the ravages of the epidemic, while several doctors are paying with their lives for their devotion to the sick: "Is it true, as the newspapers have said, that Professor Somme is a victim of his dedication, and has been taken away by the epidemic? The doctor recalls the terrible Parisian epidemic of 1832, which he witnessed at first hand: "...this terrible epidemic, which equals that of Paris in 1832, the first one I suffered." In a deeply confraternal and humane tone, Roger encourages his correspondent to preserve himself while continuing his work with the sick: "Look after yourself well, while looking after others..." The letter ends with a nostalgic evocation of their shared memories at the Children's Hospital, and the hope of a future reunion "in Naples or Paris". A fine account of French medical networks in the face of the great health crises of the 19th century, combining memories of epidemics, professional solidarity and medical dedication. A well-preserved, easy-to-read document of real interest for the history of medicine and epidemics.