Text.Harvet.1597-02.A2r/Translation
To Mr. André Gallier, Lord of Guinefolle, Counselor to the King, President in the Election of Fontenay-le-Comte,
Sir, I have always thought that questioning whether it is better to eat more at dinner than at lunch was a concern only for those not well-versed in medical knowledge. However, a few months ago, a book of Paradoxes by Laurent Joubert came into my hands, in which I saw he argued that digestion in the stomach is more efficient in those who stay awake than in those who sleep. At that moment, I changed my mind and admitted that since such a learned man defended this view, it wasn’t without reason that this topic was so often brought up at dinner discussions. Indeed, even though not everyone has studied the works of Hippocrates, it is certain that some people possess such keen intellects that from observing various effects during illness and health, they can derive precise and infallible principles and maxims.
Here, I won't delve into what I thought about Mr. Joubert’s Paradox, but only that, having discussed it at your house with Mr. Jean Garnier de la Guérinière, I eventually decided, persuaded by him, to write down my thoughts. He suggested that I should write in French for the satisfaction of many who are capable of understanding and judging such matters in this language, rather than any other. Thus, I also translated Mr. Joubert's Paradox into French.
One might say that for these reasons, it was to him that I should present this work. His knowledge and merit, which have made him worthy of being a Counselor in a Court of Parliament, and the extreme friendship with which he honors me, call for even greater efforts from me, if I had the power. But it was in your house that the decision was made, it was you who introduced me to those he counts as friends, he is your son-in-law, and you are the one who has obliged me for my entire life.
Therefore, it is to you, Sir, that it should be presented as a perpetual testimony of what you can expect from a man who will remain forever,
Your humble and very affectionate servant, Israel Harvet.
