Handwritten letter from Dom Pedro II to a French scientist (1880)
Handwritten letter from Dom Pedro II to a French scientist (1880)
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In 1880, Emperor Dom Pedro II writes to a French intellectual commenting on current scientific affairs.
- Handwritten letter from Dom Pedro II to General Arthur Jules Morin.
- Three pages.
- In French.
- 13 cm x 20 cm.
- Petrópolis, February 2, 1880.
- Excellent condition.
- Unique piece.
Excerpts
(...) I don't know why chemists sometimes become embittered by their discussions about scientific theory, whose results should not be revealed before the facts are well established. Muniez even reinforces the arguments against atomicity in his latest book, which I have already studied, but on which I will not write, daring to do so only after much reflection. This year's Bureau des Longitudes yearbook should be very interesting due to the notes (...).
I am pleased to acknowledge that (?) and Muniez, of whom I have wonderful memories, continue to render great services to agriculture with their work. The research on (?) seems to me of immense scope. Van Thiegem's note, the youngest academic, also interested me greatly. He followed Brongniart's line, making us recognize the same phenomena of plant life in both current and antediluvian eras. Périer's choice served well for his geodesic work, which excited me.
The life I lead here is truly tranquil. I enjoy more time, which also makes me want to learn even more about what is being done for the progress of sciences. Soon, I will begin to study the second volume of Daubrée's masterful work (...).
I really like the applications of geometry that help so much with precision and understanding (...).
Very interested in science and technology since childhood, Dom Pedro II studied languages, astronomy, geology, archaeology, and several other disciplines throughout his life. Through readings, observations, travels, and encounters, he gradually acquired real knowledge in these research fields despite the little time left by his political and administrative responsibilities as Emperor of Brazil.
Often accused of being indifferent to the country's social and political issues, leading Brazilian newspapers to frequently depict him with a telescope in hand, a clear reference to his interest in astronomy, Dom Pedro was highly praised by the academic world, by literati and scientists, for his love and dedication to art and science. The Brazilian Historic and Geographic Institute (IHGB), for example, received the Emperor's support since its foundation in 1838, and he participated in hundreds of meetings and personally financed several research projects.
Exiled in France during the last two years of his life after the Proclamation of the Republic, the deposed Emperor dedicated himself almost exclusively to his readings, research, and scientific friendships.
In the 1880s, Brazil continued to prosper and develop, including socially with, for example, the first women's rights movement. However, the letters Pedro II wrote at this time usually show a tired and somewhat pessimistic man. Even taking his responsibilities as Head of State seriously, he led without great enthusiasm.
Written precisely in 1880, this letter - in perfect French - shows all Dom Pedro's curiosity and knowledge in science. The Emperor comments and opines, with great humility, on some current research (astronomy, agriculture, botany, geology), on some great names of the time (Brongniart, Van Thiegem, Périer, etc.) and on science in general (chemistry, geometry). Finally, particularly interesting, this sentence:
The life I lead here is truly tranquil. I enjoy more time, which also makes me want to learn even more about what is being done for the progress of sciences.
The letter is particularly beautiful, with paper and ink in excellent condition. Also remarkable is the elegant handwriting of the Emperor, who signed "D. Pedro d'Alcantara", a custom of his with his foreign correspondents. Probably one of the most beautiful "scientific" letters of Dom Pedro II we have ever seen.

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