The mother of Jean-Paul SARTRE recounts the trepanation of her son.

[Jean-Paul SARTRE] – Anne-Marie SCHWEITZER – SARTRE (1882.1969)

Autograph letter signed to Joseph Sartre, his brother-in-law.

Seven pages in-8°. La Rochelle, October 21, 1921.

“Polou, in perfect health, caught a cold […] it was necessary to perform an operation on him – trepan him – because there was a threat of meningitis. »

Beautiful letter from Sartre's mother evoking the years of her son's youth, his fragilities and his trepanation suffered at the age of 16.

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“My dear Joseph, I thought about writing to you on September 17 – like every year, but at that time we were traveling and therefore ill-prepared to write at length, and I promised myself to do so a few days late, when I returned to La Rochelle. Unfortunately our return from vacation was marked by a quick and very distressing event. Poulou [Jean Paul Sartre, his son] , in perfect health, caught a cold in a last swim in the sea; an abscess in his ear got worse and he had to do an operation – trephine – because there was a threat of meningitis. You can imagine, my dear Joseph, what our anxiety was before, during and after this big operation! And it was barely 15 days ago! Poulou proudly walks through the streets as alert and solid as before, except that his poor head is all swaddled and bandaged, which makes him look very interesting. With this setback he will not return to Paris until November 15, because the dressings are long, and the journey is difficult. So he needs a lot of caution. This is an alert we could have done without. In every way! Because the operation took place the same day we were supposed to move; our house is full of workers, open crates, dismantled furniture, and we have to live in this horror for another 3 weeks! Because I don't know if you are aware of our return to Paris? My husband is going to be director of the automobile company at Delaunay Belleville, and we are delighted to leave La Rochelle, especially to return to Paris. Poulou's departure saddened me so much last year and when you only have one kid you shouldn't part with them. So when we knew we were coming back to Paris we were very happy. The question of apartments is indeed a big black spot on the horizon, but I still hope to be able to find accommodation for us quickly. Poulou will not be a boarder this year after this operation and my parents are very happy to take him into their home. As for my husband and I, we will go to the hotel. So much for the stock market!!! It will be a year that will count. I was very happy, my dear Joseph, to see that your stay at La Brugère (?) was favorable to you. I thought so, but I was a little afraid that winter would seem long and lonely to you. It is true that the path is not impassable to go to Thiviers and that you are able-bodied. Poulou really regretted not being able to see you this year, but we have already planned to send him to you for a few days next year , when we will be in Paris and we will not be able to take him on vacation. For a week or so he will be reasonable and will not cause you any trouble. Besides, he is a man and he is very nice. I leave you, my dear Joseph, wishing you to continue your current life very pleasantly. My husband and I send you our good memories and Poulou sends you a very affectionate kiss. Anne Marie. »

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Joseph Sartre (1868.1927) is the older brother of Jean-Baptiste Sartre (1874.1906), father of the philosopher, who died of yellow fever in 1906, while Jean-Paul was only fifteen months old.