A man of progress, the Emperor of Brazil sought out all scientific innovations in Paris and strove to build bridges between his country and France.
- Set of 7 handwritten letters from Dom Pedro II, one to Jules Taschereau (1873) and six others to Marcellin Berthelot.
- 7 sheets, 8 pages.
- In French.
- Approximately 13 cm x 21 cm.
- Petrópolis, Rio and Cannes: between 1873 and 1888.
- Excellent condition.
- Unique set.
Translated excerpts from French
Petrópolis, March 13, 1873. "To Mr. Taschereau, director of the National Library of Paris. I recommend to you Dr. Ramis Galuad, director of the National Library in Rio. I hope you will make him admire all the riches of your library, where you were so kind to me. Your affectionate colleague, D. Pedro d'Alcântara."
Rio, April 23, 1874. "Dear Professor, The memory of my visit to your laboratory at the Collège de France remains very vivid in my mind, and compels me to recommend Dr. Freire to you, who has just qualified for the chair of Organic Chemistry at the Rio de Janeiro School of Medicine through a brilliant competition. He has been sent to study in Europe. I am certain that he will honor the reception of the scholars and the affectionate feelings with which I am, Dom Pedro d'Alcântara."
Paris, June 6, 1877. "Sir, I hope you can be in your laboratory at the Collège de France on the 9th for a few moments of conversation, which so many commitments in Paris have prevented me from having elsewhere with you. I plan to visit your laboratory between 1 and 2 o'clock. Your very affectionate colleague, D. Pedro d'Alcântara."
Rio de Janeiro, April 14, 1880. "Sir, you know my love for science, which is, incidentally, too platonic given my position, and my sincere esteem for those fortunate enough to contribute to scientific progress; that is why I naturally express how eager I am to read your essay on chemical mechanics. Even the wise men compel me to be reserved regarding theories, but the principle of maximum effort will further enrich your mastery of synthesis. I ask you to always remember my interest in your work and always believe in your affectionate regards, Dom Pedro d'Alcântara."
Rio, September 14, 1882. "Sir, I recommend to you once again a Brazilian of scientific merit, Dr. Ferreira dos Santos, associate professor at the Rio de Janeiro School of Medicine. He will be perfecting his chemical studies, and I greatly hope for your assistance in the services he will render to his science in my country. For a long time, I have only seen his name in reports; however, I am certain that you believe in the interest that whatever you wish to communicate to me in your letters would cause me, especially if it could contribute to the progress of the study of chemistry in my country. Fortunately, I notice a little more scientific activity. I ask that you always count on the sincere esteem of your very affectionate, D. Pedro d'Alcântara."
Petrópolis, March 20, 1887. "Sir, As a Brazilian, I appreciate your collaboration in the magazine, which advertises itself as dedicated to all the interests of my country, and I am pleased to provide information related to the physical sciences, in which you know I am involved as much as my position allows. In asking you to recall the fond memories of our colleagues, I take this opportunity to express all the esteem I have for you, your affectionate colleague, Dom Pedro d'Alcântara."
Cannes, January 18, 1888. "Sir, your letter gave me great pleasure, as you should be quite certain, for you know how much I esteem you. I am sure that your recommendations will find the best reception from my son-in-law and my daughter. Always keep me informed about your work, for you know perfectly well the interest your affectionate colleague has in it. D. Pedro d'Alcântara."
A man of good character, science, culture, and progress, Dom Pedro II reigned over Brazil for fifty-eight years. Upon inheriting, in succession from his father in 1831, an Empire on the verge of ruin, he profoundly transformed his country, elevating it to a free, civic, and emerging power on the international stage.
Generally considered, even to this day, as the greatest man in Brazilian history, his behavior aroused the respect and admiration of many European scientists and writers, such as Darwin, Hugo, Pasteur, Bell, and Nietzsche.
"I was born to dedicate myself to culture and science," he wrote in his personal diary in 1862. Fluent in more than ten languages, he was a member of the Royal Society, the Russian and Belgian Academies of Sciences, and the American Geographical Society, and was elected to the French Academy of Sciences in 1975. Wishing to put his knowledge at the service of his country, he actively developed national education, scientific and artistic research.
Important correspondence from Dom Pedro II – in my opinion, one of the most fascinating figures in Brazilian history – is becoming increasingly rare; this is perhaps the last. This collection is particularly interesting because it shows – in the final years of his reign – how much Dom Pedro II loved science, how he strove to promote and advance Brazil with the help of France, the two countries that profoundly marked his life.
