French anthropologist, educator, and writer (1759-1823). Autograph letter signed. Paris. 8vo. 1½ pp. on bifolium. With autograph address.
$ 492 / 450 €
(91657/BN60978)
Rare and highly interesting letter by Jauffret in his function as perpetual secretary of the "Société des Observateurs de l'Homme" to the botanist and physician Jean-Emmanuel Gilibert (1741-1814), inviting him to become a corresponding member of the newly-founded learned society. - Jauffret announces an official invitation letter by the mineralogist and fellow member Eugène Patrin while taking the opportunity to express the high estimation he has long had for Gilibert. The translated letter in full: "A Society of Observers of Man could not be formed without having as its first ambition that of corresponding with the distinguished scholars who by their work have been able to contribute to the understanding and perfection of anthropology.
Could it have thought of attaching itself to such correspondents, and not have you in view? The society, in its extraordinary meeting of the past 4th Complementary Day, has placed you on the list and has admitted you to its bosom. Citizen Patrin has taken charge of informing you of this; but it is also my responsibility to do so, and I would not wish to let this opportunity pass without showing you in particular the high esteem in which I have long held you". - Founded in 1799 by Jauffret, the cleric and educator for the deaf Roch-Ambroise Cucurron Sicard, and the nobleman Joseph de Maimieux, the "Société des Observateurs de l'Homme" counted among its members many important scholars from a variety of fields, including Louis Antoine de Bougainville, Adamantios Korais, Philippe Pinel, and Antoine Isaac Silvestre de Sacy. Although the Society, whose sessions were held at Jauffret's home, was dissolved in 1804 and documents of its activities are scarce, it is considered the cradle of French anthropology. - On stationery with printed letterhead of the Société des Observateurs de l'Homme. Minor foxing..