JUSSIEU (Antoine-Laurent de). - Lot 152

JUSSIEU (Antoine-Laurent de). Lyon, 1748 – Paris, 1836. Botanist, founder of the natural classification of plants. FOURCROY (Antoine-François, Count of) Paris, 1755–1809. Chemist and statesman, member of the Institut. Document signed “A. L. de Jussieu” and “de Fourcroy.” No place, September 17, 1783. 1 page 1/4 in-4. An interesting administrative document bearing the joint signatures of two leading figures in French science at the end of the 18th century. Drafted as a response to a petition, the text addresses a dispute concerning the appointment of shepherds and the management of rights related to a rural estate. The signatories specifically request clarification on the decisions made by a certain “Mr. Dash” and on the situation of a “lord of the manor,” stating: “…We will ask Mr. Dash why he suddenly appointed shepherds (…) ; we will ask Mr. Chatelain (…) to explain what the S. Gleine is…” This document, typical of the administrative practices of the time, offers concrete evidence of the involvement of leading scholars in institutional and economic affairs, beyond their scientific work. The joint presence of Jussieu, a founding figure of modern botany, and Fourcroy, a major figure in chemistry and scientific reforms during the Revolution, lends this document particular significance. Good condition.