To Nicolas and Bouges, Doctors of Medicine, Avignon

Paris, October 1, 1818

Dear sirs:

In 1809 I was presented to Mr. Guerin, a physician, to consult with him about the ailments that were affecting me, which I attributed to two women, one named Jeanneton Lavalette, and the other, La Mansotte, and the torments they had made me endure for several years. The doctor used all the resources of his art to restore my peace, but was not able to achieve it. He suggested that I consult you, his colleagues, and take an apartment in his offices to be better able to facilitate your operations. However, you both agreed to use a place in the botanical gardens. [1] There you had identified a tree facing north as a suitable location for the operations you had in mind. The two of you having agreed on this, you invited me to come visit you on the next morning, to take me to the chosen place. Dr. Bouge came to join us, and you magnetized the tree. Once this operation was completed you left me, recommending that I stay there several hours, and then return there every day until further notice, as you observed the effects that this treatment might have on me. 

One afternoon, while I was under the tree where you had placed me, some beasts descended on my head, and of course this frightened me. I spoke to you about it, thinking that I would not return there again, but Mr. Bouges came to my house to tell me that you’d found another garden. I believe it was the garden of a Mr. Jouvier, rue de l’Hospice. We were there the next day, you had me take the same position as before, and performed the same ceremonies. A large number of distinguished people came to walk there, and several of them were interested in my circumstances. They asked me how I was, whether I had experienced some improvement in my condition. I replied to them with kindness and all the gratitude I was able to muster, I was quite well, and that I hoped God would do the rest. 

However, during the time these operations lasted, several people told me that I was being deceived, that these operations were only spells and magic beans to deceive me. [2] But at the time, I did not believe what they told me, thinking I had the right to judge for myself.

Some time later, you thought it was appropriate to put an end to these operations. I went and thanked the owner of the garden, who was very gracious. 

What was the result of all this? Nothing at all. I was constantly tormented during my time in you city, and Dr. Bouges, to whom I complained, dared to ask me for payment for his visits and the efforts you had taken to restore peace to my mind. I believe that all effort deserved compensation, and said as much, but since my condition was much the same, I did not believe it was time to pay him yet. 

Business called me back to Carpentras, and I returned, suffering more than ever. 

When you needed to visit Paris, you wrote to Mr. Moreau, who you put in charge of tormenting me in your absence. He has acquitted himself all too well. 

This physician sent me to a Mr. Chaix, a land-owner in Carpentras, once the courier of the mail on the road to to Lyon,  to tell me on the behalf of himself and Dr. Pinel, doctor of medicine at the Salpetriere in Paris, that they were only too happy to give them back the freedom that was my right. But you did not agree with them on that point, and they were overriding your authority. I asked Mr. Chaix to navigate this on my behalf, and be kind enough to return with any news. When the whole episode was over and I still found myself tormented with a vengeance, I reminded my friend of the promise me made before his departure from Paris. But he did not reply to my letter, nor to my second one. 

Frustrated by all of this, I find myself compelled to complain to you. I believe that in the name of the faith we all profess, you will soon take pity on my suffering and put an end to it, as far as you can, through the prayers I offer to God every day. Please find it in your heart to pass this along to Doctors Moreau and Pinel.

I await your reply, your servant,

M.B. 

[1] M.B. references the “Jardine des Plantes,” which is basically “botanical gardens,” but having a hard time identifying a specific garden he might be referring to in Avignon. 

[2] “graine de niais”, or “seeds of fools”, something used to bait the gullible.