Paris
4 December 1885
Friday
MY DEAR PARENTS,
In my last letter I told you about my study of eye diseases at the clinic of Dr. Wecker. I continue going there every day and I learn not a little and each time I see a new operation, a new disease. Dr. Wecker had me register at his clinic and ordered me to buy an ophthalmoscope—an apparatus that is used to look into what is going on inside the eyes—that costs me 12 pesos. The professor, who continues to esteem me, told me that I should go to his house on Sundays, giving me his card. According to those who have seen it, the house or hotel of the doctor is a palace, a marvel in gems and artistic objects of which he has the most beautiful collections. This gentleman is very rich; he has properties in various… estimated at many million those… alone. It is true that he is the first… the Duchess of Medinacelli called him… for a day he was paid 40,000 francs… lost. Thus it is already possible to treat ailments… to be a sufficiently passable surgeon… with the fifth part I would be satisfied.[1]
Here it is very cold and there is much… which compels us to exercise to keep us warm. The king of Spain that has died and we have a regent, Doña María Cristina…. that history records.
I still hope to receive some money from you, practice by the side of Wecker… I am costing much money… useful some day. The instruments and… town is very dear almost as much… this last won for not knowing…
In Germany, according to a friend…
[The rest of the letter is missing]
04-136 [Misc.]
[1]