The case of rabies in Monsieur Chéri-Montigny and his dog

Nicolas BARON
Professeur agrégé d’Histoire-Géographie à Carhaix-Plouguer (Bretagne)
4 Kerroz, 29520 Châteauneuf-du-Faou
nicolaszig@gmail.com

In 1878, the death of a young playwright, Chéri-Montigny, after being bitten by a rabid dog, creates a tremendous turmoil in Paris and nationwide. Indeed, an outbreak of rabies is rapidly spreading in the capital as well as the rest of the country: distinguished veterinarians come on to advise the authorities to take drastic measures against dogs, especially strays. However, despite encouraging results, these recommendations are fast neglected, and rabies wins back its lost ground.

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Bull.soc.fr.hist.méd.sci.vét., 2017, 17 : 59-69