Description:

Medical

Bi-fold ALS on laid paper, 7" x 9". Dated "December 25, 1763". Heavily penned on three pages with final page docketed. Signed by Samuel Bard as "your Dutiful + Obedient son- Saml Bard". Red wax seal present, with small missing piece of the page where seal was pulled opened. Letter lightly toned with spots of slight damp staining marginally affecting the ink. Faded tape ghosts along page crease. Otherwise the ink remains with strong contrast, with the writing quite legible.

A letter penned from Samuel Bard to his father when Samuel would have been about 21 years old, shortly after he went to Europe to receive his medical degree. In September 1761, Samuel sailed to Europe and spent five years in France, England and Scotland, ultimately receiving his MD at the University of Edinburgh in May 1765. On his return, he found his father in debt for his education, which had cost more than a thousand pounds. He entered into partnership with him, and for three years drew nothing beyond his expenses from the profits of the business until he had repaid his debt. A portion of this letter to his father requests his opinion on whether his father would want him to practice surgery, to which he remarks: "I would willingly if I could avoid the disagreeable task of performing operations". This is a fascinating statement in light of the fact that the young man would soon get over his apprehension and would become the doctor the George Washington and the founder of Columbia's School of Surgeons. His letter also addresses the purchase of land, and obtaining credit for the acquisition. An all-in fascinating lengthy letter, shown in part below:

"Since I wrote to you which was by the last packet, I have received your letter by … in which you desire me to be industrious in enquiring out Mr Bowels Heirs by my last you will find I have not been negligent in this particular, and you will see how far I have succeeded, I acquainted you that Mr. Martin made what enquiry he could for me … You desire me if I find the proper person to purchase the land of them + draw upon you for the money, but I believe it will be necessary to give me a credit for it, upon some Merchat in London for I have enquired and I find, that there is no such thing as selling a Bill in this country upon America … if you do not think proper to ask this favour of Mr. Neate Mr. Frank , has a son in London, who I dare say would be ready to advance it, according to the customer of Merchts especially if you procure a letter of credit from his Father …I should be glad to know how for you think it will be necessary for me to enter in the practice of surgery when I return, I would willingly if I could avoid the disagreeable task of performing operations, but nevertheless if you think it indispensably necessary, I will give a proper attention to that part of my profession…Pray present my Duty with the compliments of the season to Mama + to all my friends--Samuel Bard".

Samuel Bard (1742–1821) was an American physician. He founded the first medical school in New York City. He was a personal physician to George Washington.   His description of the disease diphtheria was instrumental in formulating treatment for that condition. He helped found the second medical school in the United States at King's College, now known as Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.He is also the grandfather of John Bard, founder of Bard College. Samuel Bard is among the scarcest and most desirable of all early medical manuscripts. Only two examples have sold in the last 40 or so years at public auction the most recent bringing $8750.

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