Author: SCHROEDER VAN DER KOLK, J.L.C.- L.S.- N.P.VISSCHER.-
Title: Autograph letter in Dutch, probably by Dr. Visscher, in which Schroeder van der Kolk and Visscher, entrusted with the medical care of mentally ill patients in the 'daartoe opgerigt Gesticht tot herstellen derzelven te Utrecht', confirm that 2nd Lieutenant König of the 'Huzaren Regiment No. 6' has recovered fully, however it is imperative that he is monitored closely in order to prevent him from relapsing or 'wederinstorting'. A further period of absence from active duty is advised, Utrecht dated 7 September 1833, Signed in autograph by his physicians as well as the Surgeon Majo of the 'Groot Rijks Militair Hospitaal', and Overste Royer, commander ad interum, legalising and confirming the signatures.
Description: Utrecht, autograph, 1833. 4to. Meas. appr. 25 x 17.5 cm. 18 lines of autograph text by Visscher, followed by 4 Signatures: Schroeder van der Kolk, Visscher, Surgeon Major Wassink [?], Luit. Kol. Royer. W. 1 tax stamp in ink and 1 idem 'formaatzegel' blindstamped, top left corner of the letter. Original auction folder preserved. (watermark 'Nederlanden'and countermark 'K'; small old restoration of sharp tear at verso w. strip of matching paper.). Lindeboom, DMB, c. 1067-1070: '...appointed professor of medicine at Utrecht as the successor of Bleuland....he showed himself a devoted teacher who endevoured to demonstrate new scientific methods before the students, also with the much neglected microscope'.: NNBW vol. II, c. 700/705: Schroeder van der Kolk was a most inspiring and amiable medical man, responsible for a large number of highly important publications. His most important contribution to public health lay in the reform of mental health institutions and the treatment of the mentally ill., then still labelled with the epithet 'krankzinnigen' [=lunatics].

Keywords: gynaecology birth reproduction reproductive system stream blood Anatomy physiology lunatic asylum krankzinnigheid LS letters signature naval hygiene military hospital