Château de Voltaire
In the early eighteenth century, Jean René de Longueil, often received at the Chateau de Maisons, scientists, philosophers or men of letters with which he loved to exchange ideas. Among them, Voltaire was often received for stay.
In 1723, during a stay at Château de Voltaire House, two events occurred:
- Voltaire, sick, almost died in the castle.
- When he left the room he came to hold caught fire and the fire destroyed part of the castle.
- A few weeks later, Voltaire wrote to the Baron de Breteuil to tell him in detail these two events.
Document: Lette from Voltaire to the Baron de Breteuil on 5 January 1724
“I will obey you, Sir, you are making a fairly small-pox which I go out, how amazing I was treated, and the crash of houses, which prevent me watching my back to life as bliss.
Mr. President of Properties and I were unwell on 4 November (1723), but fortunately the danger fell on me. We did we bleed the same day he carried well, and I had smallpox. The disease appeared after two days of fever, and looks a slight rash.
I fis bleed a second time of my authority, despite the vulgar prejudice. Mr. House had the goodness to send me the next day of Mr. Gervasi doctor Mr. Cardinal de Rohan that came with reluctance. He feared to engage in unnecessary treat delicate body and a small low pox already reached the second day of the eruption, and whose action had been prevented by two bled too light, no purgative.
However, he came and found me with a malignant fever. It was initially a very low opinion of my illness, the household who were with me saw it, and do not let me ignore.
M’annonce on at the same time as the pastor of Houses, which focused on my health, and who was not afraid of smallpox, asked if he could see me without m’incommoder; I did come away, I I confess, and I made my will, which, as you feel good, did not take long.
After that, I waited death fairly quiet, however, not without regret not having put the final touches to my poem and Marianne, or without being a bit upset to leave my friends so early.
However, Mr. de Gervasi does not leave me a moment, he was studying me closely all the movements of nature, it gave me nothing to take me any reason, I suggest the danger and it clearly showed me the remedy, and its reasoning concerned the conviction and confidence, as the hope of cure is already half the cure.
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