LABBÉ (Léon). - Lot 157

LABBÉ (Léon). Born in Merlerault (Orne), 1832—died in Paris, 1916. French surgeon and politician. A professor of clinical surgery and a member of the Academy of Medicine, he simultaneously pursued a political career, becoming a senator from Orne. An influential figure in Parisian medicine during the Third Republic. Autograph letter signed “Dr. Labbé,” addressed to Madame Renault. Paris, January 25, 1913. 2 pages, in-16 format. Printed Senate letterhead. An interesting political letter written in the context of the January 1913 presidential election, which saw Raymond Poincaré elected President of the Republic. Labbé, who had defended Poincaré’s wife against certain attacks, congratulates his correspondent and expresses his satisfaction with the outcome: “…you must be very pleased with the result of January 17. It is a great joy for our country…”. He also offers a more personal assessment of the political climate of his time, referring to “the wretched human race” and “wicked people,” giving this post a tone that is both committed and disillusioned.