ROTOURS (Jean Julien Angot, baron des). - Lot 243

ROTOURS (Jean Julien Angot, baron des). Born in Rotours (Orne), 1773-1844. Vice-admiral. Knight of the Legion of Honor. Commanded the Cadiz station before becoming governor of Guadeloupe. L.A.S. "Le Bon des Rotours", addressed to Dr. Civiale. Paris, February 4, 1815. 2 pp. in-4 with autograph address on verso, postmarks and remaindermark. Interesting autograph letter concerning the state of health of Vice-Admiral des Rotours, addressed to the famous Doctor Civiale, pioneer of modern urology. Baron des Rotours describes in detail the illness from which he is suffering, and requests his doctor's immediate assistance before what he hopes will be a decisive operation: "Without yet being able to devote myself entirely to the care my health requires, I would like (...) to begin a regimen that will lead me to the operation that should deliver me from the disease you have recognized in me...". Fearing that his condition would worsen, he asked the doctor to visit him the following day: "I have by rising day by day, and that I continue to feel that it increases; I beg you consequently to kindly pass by my house tomorrow at noon..." The letter testifies to the medical preoccupations of a senior naval officer during the Restoration, at a time when surgical treatment of urinary tract infections remained particularly delicate. The addressee, Jean Civiale (1792-1867), future inventor of lithotripsy, was one of the most famous French surgeon-urologists of the 19th century. This correspondence is thus an interesting testimony to the nascent specialized medicine and medical networks of the French military and administrative elite. Fine "Le Bon des Rotours" signature. Autograph address on verso: "Monsieur Civiale, docteur en médecine, rue Godot n°30 à Paris". Postal marks and remainder of stamp preserved. A few creases, small marginal tears and discreet foxing.