COSTAZ (Louis). - Lot 78

COSTAZ (Louis). Champagne-en-Valromey (Ain), 1767 – Fontainebleau, 1842. Prefect of the Manche department, Intendant of Crown Buildings during the Empire, Baron of the Empire, member of the Academy of Sciences. Autograph letter to his physician, Fontainebleau, April 4, 1841, 2 pp., in-8, accompanied by an original burin-engraved proof depicting his bust in profile. A beautiful autograph letter signed by Louis Costaz, a prominent administrative figure and scholar of the First Empire, addressed to his physician. In it, the signatory describes in detail his state of health, his scrupulous adherence to the prescribed treatment, and the progress of his convalescence. The text, which is particularly vivid, mentions in turn: - taking iron-based medications - croton oil / croton-tiglione mentioned in the treatment plan, along with a strict diet - therapeutic baths - rubdowns with a woolen mitt dipped in a soapy solution - his daily walks and carriage rides The passage is particularly evocative: “I took my first bath… I had myself rubbed with a woolen mitt frequently dipped in a soapy solution” and further on: “I feel quite well… my condition is showing signs of improvement” An interesting document combining 19th-century medicine, administrative history, and the personal account of a high-ranking imperial official at the end of his life. Enclosed with the letter is a beautiful original engraving, depicting Costaz’s profile, which enhances the collection’s museum-quality character. In very fine overall condition, despite a few scattered foxing spots on the engraving.