LOUËY (T. V.). - Lot 292

LOUËY (T. V.). Physician to Prince Albert I of Monaco. L.A.S. "T. V. Louëy", addressed to a colleague and friend. Vigo (Spain), August 26, 1910. 4 pages in-8. Printed letterhead of the yacht "Princesse Alice". Beautiful sea letter written aboard Prince Albert I of Monaco's famous scientific yacht, evoking princely oceanographic cruises and life on board. Dr. Louëy sends his correspondent his "sincere wishes for happiness", before recounting his return on board after a stay in Monaco: "Two months ago, I left for my annual cruise, which was pleasantly cut short by a hunt with His Serene Highness at the home of the King of Italy...". He goes on to describe the navigational difficulties encountered over the last few weeks: "I've been back on board for nearly a fortnight now, and today is the first time we've made landfall! These are the hard times of the trade...". The letter ends with an expression of deep sympathy for the addressee and his wife, to whom he sends his "most respectful compliments". An interesting account of daily life during the scientific campaigns of Prince Albert I, the great pioneer of modern oceanography. Aboard the yachts Hirondelle and above all the Princesse-Alice, the sovereign led numerous maritime expeditions around the world, bringing together scientists, doctors and naturalists. Beautiful set on the letterhead of the Princesse Alice yacht, a rare and sought-after piece of Monegasque maritime and scientific history.