R. Charles
Réponse du citoyen R. Charles, à la critique du citoyen Auvrai, insérée dans le Courrier des Spectacles, du 22 prairial
Le Courrier des spectacles, ou Journal des théâtres, Paris 21 june 1800, pp. 3-4.
1 volume available
Reply by R. Charles (Charles Rouy) to Auvray's critique of 22 Prairial. He argues that exposing the frauds of pagan priests fights superstition rather than encouraging it; he rebuts Auvray's claims point by point (comparing the globe to a pumpkin, the balustrade's feet sunk into the floor, the explanation of the lowered voice by a spongy body facing the horns, the discontent of the Polytechnique students) and invokes the testimony of Brisson, Gosselin, Desales, Monge, Ameilhon, Lalande, Tenon, Mentelle, David Leroi, Legrand d'Aussy, Bernardin de Saint-Pierre and others. He mocks Auvray's "touch" for mistaking oak for tin, explains that the charge of indelicacy was urged on him by the police commissioner when Auvray tried to shift the apparatus, and asks why Auvray concealed that when spoken to softly the Invisible answers softly, that the piano can be heard only close to the horns, the seeing of objects and the talking bust. Full transcription and Italian translation.
Language
French
