Memoirs of the Sansons (Volume 1); From Private Notes and Documents (1688-1847)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1876. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... refused to receive such pupils, and we admitted the novices, who sat at our table as long as they remained with us. When the number of Charles Jean-Baptiste's children is remembered, one may have an idea of the numerous company which assembled in the dining room of our house. Charles Jean-Baptiste shared his mother's singular ideas and strange principles; both were much respected by their children and the strangers who found hospitality under their roof. The life of Charles JeanBaptiste was very active and left him but little time for amusement. He studied anatomy with fervency, as Sanson de Longval had done. He possessed the science to a greater degree than any of my ancestors. He always rose early; after a light meal, he went to church at Saint Laurent and returned to his house, where he received a certain number of patients whom he treated according to their ailings. These consultations lasted until dinner time. After dinner the family took a stroll in the garden, and then my great-grandfather returned to his laboratory, where he prepared his medicines or pursued his studies. At dusk, until supper was served, he sat down before his door, and breathed the fresh air. He occasionally encountered the hostile look of some neighbour; but he found ample compensation for such signs of contempt in the bows of a throng of paupers and patients who always found assistance and advice under his roof. It is difficult to explain the psychological phenomena by which many of us have been enabled to unite with VOL. I. M a profession for which I have always felt repugnance the practice of the highest virtue. I could quote many instances; that, among others, of the executioner Gasnier, of Rennes, who, in his jurisdiction, was the providence of the poor, and who had earned so much...