PORTIER (Paul). - Lot 252

PORTIER (Paul). Bar-sur-Seine, 1866 – Paris, 1962. French biologist and marine zoologist; collaborated with Charles Richet on the discovery of anaphylaxis. Autograph letter signed “P. Portier,” addressed to “My wretched friend and dreadful egoist” [Maurice Emmanuel]. No place or date. 2 pages, oblong in-12 format, on letterhead from the Oceanographic Institute (Albert I Foundation, Prince of Monaco). A delightful letter written in a lighthearted and feignedly reproachful tone, in which Portier pretends to be indignant with his correspondent for not having been informed directly of his recent appointment as a professor at the Conservatory. Beneath this humorous rebuke—“Miserable friend and awful egoist”—a sincere and warm friendship shines through. The scholar expresses his regret at having learned the news from others, confessing that he “lost an entire week of joy,” before immediately changing his mind and enthusiastically celebrating his friend’s promotion: “Since this morning, I’ve shouted ten ‘Hoch!’s in your honor and twenty ‘Hip Hip Hurrah!’s.” This exuberance, rare in his writing, gives the letter a particularly lively character. He concludes by asking his correspondent how he feels about this appointment and when his first classes will begin, demonstrating a keen interest in his friend’s career. A charming document that reveals the camaraderie and humor in Portier’s relationships and offers a firsthand account of Maurice Emmanuel’s appointment to the Conservatory.