René-Théophile LAËNNEC (1781-1826). L.A.S., Paris April 16, - Lot 169

René-Théophile LAËNNEC (1781-1826). L.A.S., Paris April 16, 1810, to his father in Quimper; 2 1/2 pages in-4, addressed. Beautiful letter to his father about the young doctor's financial situation. He has been obliged to make a trip to Compiègne, "which has greatly disturbed me in all my affairs". He is in the process of setting up his household, "i.e. buying not everything necessary, because I couldn't have done that", but the essentials, before his sister arrives. He details the state of his possessions: sheets, towels, silverware. His position is far from brilliant: "my expenses grow every day at least as fast as my income". He details his income and expenses, the charges he has to pay and the debts he has to repay; he can't "count this year on more than 7000ll net to meet all these expenses, and it's very possible that it will go below that, as doctors are more likely to find people who don't pay them, than any other kind of man". However, he hopes one day to achieve a certain degree of affluence, but for the time being he cannot do as his father wishes, "unless my uncle is willing to take charge of my sister until my income is fully released" But "I would not even consent to this [...] I would reproach myself for leaving him in charge any longer". He ends his letter, as "a sick man who comes to consult me tears the pen out of my hand"...