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[Three contracts signed by the apothecary Nicolas Houel in 1586]
Revue D'Histoire De La Pharmacie
|October 20, 2001
Summary
Nicolas Houel, a 16th-century apothecary, founded the House of the Christian Charity to aid poor children. Historical documents from 1586 confirm his involvement in establishing this charitable institution.
Area of Science:
- Historical philanthropy
- Early modern social welfare
Background:
- Nicolas Houel, a prominent apothecary, established the House of the Christian Charity near Paris in the 16th century.
- The institution provided care for impoverished children for a period of six years.
Discussion:
- The author discovered key legal documents, including two reception contracts and a settlement act.
- These documents, signed by Houel in 1586, provide concrete evidence of his foundational role and commitment.
Key Insights:
- The findings confirm Nicolas Houel's direct and documented involvement in the establishment of the House of the Christian Charity.
- The 1586 documents offer primary source evidence of early charitable practices and institutional foundations in France.
Outlook:
- Further research could explore the long-term impact and operational history of the House of the Christian Charity.
- Investigating other potential archival records may reveal more about the social and economic context of 16th-century Parisian charity.