Description:

Pierre-Simon Laplace
Paris, France, July 18, 1804
"French Newton" Pierre-Simon Laplace Signed & Annotated "Sénat Conservateur" Approval for Marshal Kellermann
PPDS

A 2pp partly printed and partly manuscript document in French signed by the so-called "French Newton" Pierre-Simon Laplace (1749-1827), as "Laplace" on the second page; and with an additional 19-word autograph note by him as (translated): "If the two agents whom you have chosen have started their work, I authorize that one or the other continue it." 29 Messidor l'an XII [July 18, 1804.] Paris, France. Secretarially inscribed on laid watermarked paper with "Sénat=Conservateur" letterhead, including its dramatic seal, a snake-wrapped mirror symbolizing prudence and self-reflection. Docketed on the first page upper corners, with a document gloss at upper left. Expected wear including scattered foxing and isolated edge darkening. A small mounting trace at lower left recto. Else very good to near fine. 7.125" x 9.375." Accompanied by a handsome hand-colored engraving, "Laplace," by A. Guilleminot and Delaistre, scattered foxing, else very good, 6.75" x 10.25."

This document concerning Sénat Conservateur business was signed and annotated by Laplace, probably in his role as Chancellor of the Sénat Conservateur. This elite advisory body of influential and highly-placed senators was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in late 1799 to safeguard the French Constitution. The Chancellor of the Sénat Conservateur was responsible for overseeing all Senate-owned properties - like the library, archives, art gallery, and medal collection - as well as serving as a human resources contact of sorts, securing residences and passports for sitting members of the Senate.

This memorandum concerns renovations to be made to the Senatorial residence of François Christophe de Kellermann (1735-1820), one of Napoleon's most dignified elder generals, and a former president of the Sénat Conservateur, who had been named Marshal just two months earlier, in mid-May 1804. Laplace stipulated that while renovations to Kellermann's residence were approved, he must fire one of the two architects hired to undertake the project.

Laplace's letter reads in part, translated, with punctuation silently added to improve clarity:

"I received the letter that you gave me the honor of receiving the 27th of this month, notifying me of the arrangements that you have made relative to the renovation of your senatorial residence.

The choice that you have made of the architect Reiner… the report of the State of Places and the bid for necessary reparations, would have inspired in me sufficient confidence…

The precaution that you took to add Mr. Kastner… of the Department of the Lower Rhine, was thus superfluous, and I would be obliged to you, Monsieur Marshal, [if you were] to give, if there is still time, the necessary orders so that one of the two agents it pleases you to choose can undertake, alone, the operation that does not require the cooperation of two people.

I would have nothing more to add to the instructions that you say you have given them. They seem exactly appropriate…

You can in consequence, Monsieur Marshal, regard yourself as sufficiently authorized, by a Letter to follow, [to pursue] the execution of the arrangements that these instructions include.

You can equally order the same person to oversee the construction of these works that will have been ordered, after the delivery of the report and the bid that you will have made me, as well as to settle the cost of the works that it would be convenient to make for economy.

I beg you to accept, Monsieur Marshal, the latest proofs of my sincere attachment.

[signed] Laplace

[in Laplace's hand] If the two agents whom you have chosen have started their work, I authorize that one or the other continue it."

Most historians see Napoleon's tapping of Laplace for political positions during the Consulate and the Empire as symbolic; that while Napoleon acknowledged the worth of Laplace in the scientific arena, Laplace was seen politically as somewhat ornamental. Laplace had briefly served as Napoleon's Minister of the Interior in 1799 before becoming a Senator in the Sénat Conservateur in 1799. He was appointed its Chancellor in 1803.

Kellermann - one of the very few of Napoleon's generals not to be killed in battle - had joined the Sénat Conservateur around 1800, and he had served as its president from August 1801 - January 1802.

Laplace had more than enough to occupy his time than considering Kellermann's home renovation projects. Largely considered one of the greatest scientists of all time, Laplace has been dubbed the "Newton of France" because of the volume and variety of his scientific explorations in physics, mathematics, engineering, statistics, and astronomy.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: document: 7.125" x 9.375"; engraving: 6.75" x 10.25"
  • Medium: PPDS

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