In 1871, Dom Pedro II expressed, in perfect French, his admiration for mathematics and inheritance law.
-
Handwritten letter from Emperor Dom Pedro II to a professor.
- A leaf.
- In French.
- 14.5 cm x 22.7 cm.
- Vienna, Austria, October 8, 1871.
- Excellent condition.
- Unique piece.
Translation in Portuguese
Hotel Munsch.
Vienna,
Professor,
It is with great pleasure that I received your artwork and your photograph.
My trip does not allow me to study everything you have written about the field of mathematics, for which I have such affection; but the accuracy and clarity I find in the definitions of your treatise on geometry, as well as the reading of the two pamphlets on the academic treatise (?) and the article of the Napoleonic Code relating to the division of inheritance between legitimate and illegitimate children, pleased me greatly. Business would be conducted more fairly if mathematical knowledge were more widespread!
Here is my photograph as a reminder of the regret I felt at not having met you during my visit to Liège, where I would have very much enjoyed a long conversation with you about matters that concern you.
D. Pedro de Alcântara
October 9, 1871
In 1871, Dom Pedro II was traveling through Europe, one of his long journeys abroad aimed at expanding his knowledge, establishing diplomatic contacts, and closely following scientific and cultural advancements. Vienna, the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, was one of the most important intellectual and political centers of the time, and Dom Pedro, a great admirer of knowledge, took advantage of his stay to interact with scientists, mathematicians, and scholars. This trip was part of his ongoing effort to modernize Brazil and absorb innovative ideas that could be applied in the country.
This letter is especially relevant because it highlights Dom Pedro II's profound interest in mathematics and law, demonstrating not only his appreciation for science but also his vision of the importance of mathematical knowledge in the administration of justice and social equity. By praising the clarity of a geometry treatise and reflecting on the Napoleonic Code, he reveals his concern for justice and rationality in legal decisions, something rare among monarchs of the time. Furthermore, the letter illustrates his profile as a traveling intellectual and cultured statesman, reinforcing his image as an atypical emperor, more dedicated to knowledge than to the luxury of power.
