Lot 235
Gounod, Charles (1818-93) French composer; winner of Grand Prix de Rome (1839); best known for his opera "Faust." Autograph Letter Signed ("Ch. Gounod"), 3 pp, 7x4½" (Paris), 19 Mar. (18)91. Fine. Written in French, replying to a Mr. Kaminsky's inquiry as to Gounod's opinion on the study by Count Leo Tolstoy of the effects of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs on the intellectual and moral faculties; a copy of Tolstoy's study, entitled "Why Do People Stupefy Themselves?" is included. Gounod agrees that "the use of tobacco produces torpidity of the faculties in question…and that it could lead to atrophy [of the intellect] through its abuse"; he does not agree, however, that tobacco "could ultimately cause the obliteration of the Conscience," and elucidates the difference between Conscience and Will. He concludes with, "I've smoked a great deal; I've never noticed that it has ever affected the judgment of my Conscience on the morality of my acts." With transmittal envelope and translation.
Estimated Value $400 - 600.
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| Realized $230 |
