[Jean-Charles Sournia and Berry]

Abstract

A previous Eloge has been pronounced on June 30, 2001 during the work session of the French and the International Societies of History of Medicine. It was devoted to the various aspects of the medical, historical and public career of Prof Jean-Charles Sournia (November 24, 1917-June 8, 2000). The present session of the French Society of History of Medicine hold in Bourges, on June, 18, 2005 is an accomplishment of the wish of this child of Bourges, the capital of Berry. In this intoductive paper, from family testimonies and photographies, details are given about the childhood of Jean-Charles Sournia in Berry, his scholarship and his family. Sournia was deeply attached to the family house, to the city where he was born and to its hospital, called hôtel-Dieu.