In 1880, Emperor Dom Pedro II wrote to a French intellectual commenting on current scientific developments.
- Handwritten letter from Dom Pedro II to General Arthur Jules Morin.
- Three pages.
- In French.
- 13 cm x 20 cm.
- Petropolis, February 2, 1880.
- Excellent condition of conservation.
- Unique piece.
Excerpts
(...) I do not know why chemists sometimes get bitter about their discussions about scientific theory, the results of which should not be revealed before the facts are well established. Muniez himself reinforces the arguments against atomicity in his latest book, which I have already studied but will not write about, only daring to do so after much reflection. This year's Bureau des Longitudes yearbook should be very interesting because of 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 to be of immense scope. The note by Van Thiegem, the youngest scholar, also interested me greatly. He followed Brongniart's line in making us recognize the same phenomena of plant life in the present and antediluvian periods. The choice of Périer served well for his geodetic works, which excited me.
The life I lead here is truly peaceful. I enjoy more time, which also makes me want to learn more about what is being done to advance science. I will soon start studying the second volume of Daubrée's masterpiece (...).
I really like the applications of geometry that help with both precision and understanding (...).
Very interested in science and technology since childhood, Dom Pedro II studied languages, astronomy, geology, archaeology and many other subjects throughout his life. Through reading, observations, travels and meetings, he gradually acquired real knowledge in these fields of research despite the short 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 often depict him with a telescope in his hand, a clear reference to his interest in astronomy, Dom Pedro was highly praised by the academic world, among writers and scientists, for his love and dedication to art and science. The Brazilian Historical and Geographical Institute (IHGB), for example, received support from the Emperor since its founding in 1838, who participated in hundreds of meetings and personally financed several research projects.
Exiled in France for the last two years of his life after the Proclamation of the Republic, the deposed Emperor devoted himself almost exclusively to his readings, research and scientific friendships.
In the 1880s, Brazil continued to prosper and develop, including socially, with the first movement for women's rights, for example. However, the letters that Pedro II wrote during this period often show a tired and somewhat pessimistic man. Even though he took his responsibilities as Head of State seriously, he led without much enthusiasm.
Written in 1880, this letter - in perfect French - shows all of Dom Pedro's curiosity and knowledge of science. The Emperor comments and gives his opinion, with great humility, on some research of the time (astronomy, agriculture, botany, geology), on some great names of the time (Brongniart, Van Thiegem, Périer, etc.) and on science in general (chemistry, geometry). Finally, this sentence is particularly interesting:
The life I lead here is truly peaceful. I enjoy more time, which also makes me want to learn more about what is being done to advance science.
The letter is particularly beautiful, with paper and ink in excellent condition. Also notable is the elegant writing of the Emperor, who signed himself "D. Pedro d'Alcantara", a custom he had with his foreign correspondents. Probably one of the most beautiful "scientific" letters from Dom Pedro II that we have ever seen.
