French lexicographer and philosopher (1801–1881). Collection of four ALSs, all in French, each signed “E. Littre,” all multi-page, ranging in date from 1855–1857. All are to Latinist and fellow lexicographer Louis-Marie Quicherat. Several letters have quotations in Greek and Latin and discuss numerous points in Latin grammar and philology. Letters read, in part:
July 20, 1855: “I’ve searched in the books on medicine in Latin I have on hand here and I haven’t found a rendition of ‘white flowers.’ You know how poor Latin is in medical terms and it’s very possible that the term is missing because it was always possible to use a Greek term…Hippocrates gives gous leukos…you could use latin fluor albus.”
February 8, 1857: “When some example comes up…that you think worthy of attention…send it to me…I am very satisfied that I have your approbation for the ensemble of my work on Albert de Brogue as well as on…Tacitus. You are now the Prince of Latinists and your authority is of great weight.”
August 7, 1857: “I’ve gone through all my papers from nourrice (nurse) to sec (dry); and neither under the one nor the other have I found the locution you told me about…you would give me great pleasure if you sent me that example of nourrice seche (dry nurse) which you have from the 13th century.”
November 1, 1857: “Dr. Trotula is a woman who belongs to the School of Galen. She wrote a treatise on women’s diseases…and lived in the 11th or 12 century…I will begin the printing in January or February… you, I learn, are approaching the end of your long and difficult task.”
In overall fine condition, with some scattered light toning and soiling and intersecting folds. Trotula is regarded as the world's first gynecologist. RR Auction COA.
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