Description:

Comte de Lacepede Bernard Germain Etienne

Bernard Germain Etienne, Comte de Lacepede, French Naturalist, Two ALS Dating from Napoleonic Era

 

Two ALS in French signed by naturalist Bernard Germain Etienne, Comte de Lacepede (1756-1825), the first as "b.g.e. C. Lacepede" and the second as "b.g.e. l. cte de Lacepede." Both letters are in very good to near fine condition. Expected light paper folds throughout, the earlier letter with a small hole corresponding to remnants of a wax seal, and the later letter with minor chipped edges. Provided with full English translations.

 

The first 1p ALS, dating from September 3, 1802 ["17 fruct. an 10", is on cream bifold watermarked stationery containing an integral address leaf stamped with philatelic markings. The letter is addressed to "Citizen Dumont," who may refer to Pierre Etienne Louis Dumont (1759-1829), a Swiss writer. Comte de Lacepede writes in part: "I am going to read your new works, as one reads all that you have published, that is to say, with great eagerness, pleasure, and profit…." Each page measures 7" x 9."

 

On July 12, 1815, Comte de Lacepede wrote a 1p ALS to a government official. The stationery is docketed "Replied July 13" in the top left corner of the first page; the remaining pages are blank. Comte de Lacepede, who during this phase of his life actively participated in national politics, lobbied for the promotion of a certain "M. de Nayer." Each page measures 8" x 10."

 

"Monsieur the Prefect,

 

I have the honor of requesting your favor on behalf of Monsieur de Nayer … It would be impossible, Monsieur Prefect, to combine more estimable qualities with a great deal of zeal and experience in administration than does Monsieur de Nayer. From every point of view, he would justify your choice. His devotion to his Majesty is well known…."

 

Bernard German Etienne, Comte de Lacepede was a French naturalist mentored in part by Comte de Buffon (1702-1788), the father of Enlightenment Age natural history. Between 1749-1788, Buffon had published his 36-volume magnum opus Natural History. Comte de Lacepede added posthumous volumes to Buffon's treatise, examining snakes, fish, reptiles, cetaceans, and egg-laying quadrupeds. These letters trace Comte de Lacepede's transition from an interest in intellectual pursuits to a zeal for politics.

 

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