[VINGTRINIER (Dr. Arthus)]. Des Prisons et des Prisonniers e - Lot 411

[VINGTRINIER (Dr. Arthus)]. Des Prisons et des Prisonniers et en particulier des Prisons et des Prisonniers de Rouen. [MANUSCRIT] [Rouen], 1840. Folio with [1] f. false-title, [1] blank f., [1] f. dedication to Baron Dupont-Delportes, [1] bl. f., [1] f. title, [30]-44-[6bl.]-[2]-51-[2bl.]-[40]-[4bl.]-[32]-[2bl.]-[22] pp. Muted covers. Manuscript in very neat handwriting in brown ink, with calligraphic titles and lettering, of the published work of Arthur Vingtrinier (1796-1872), chief physician of the Rouen Prisons, epidemic physician, member of the Royal Academy of Rouen, of that of Dijon, etc. Qqs corrections and strikethroughs. This could be a definitive copy of the manuscript for publication by Klefer in Versailles, 1840. A later handwritten note in pencil (from the previous owner, expert and bibliophile, JM) states that he believes this is the original manuscript. Dr. Vingtrinier distinguished himself both locally and nationally through his work on the penitentiary system in the 19th century. Even today, historians regard him as an important philanthropist and a key figure in penal thought. In Rouen, he played a key role in observing, documenting and denouncing prison conditions: despite some sanitary progress, he revealed harsh conditions, especially for children (illness, cold, malnutrition, harsh punishments). Along with other doctors, he alerted the authorities and helped to publicly expose these abuses, fuelling national debate and leading to certain reforms. Opposed to penal colonies, he advocated educational solutions such as patronage and apprenticeships for young inmates, in order to reintegrate them rather than punish them. Ex-libris JM.