The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-05-06
AN ARTISTS SKELETON.

BErSo AN ACCOUNT OF THE CURIOUS IN
FLuEScK OF PIERRE GmAuD's BONES.
Translated for the Argonaut
Ii you had met Julien on the day this
story begins you would have stopped to
follow him with your eyes, so Overlooking
with youth and gayety did he seem. He
walked with light and rapid step. as one
would walk who was about 10 accomplish
some long-cherished purpose, as il he al
ready saw the mysterious end TO which
some great desire was drawing him. What
wns that desire? To meet some young
woman? Not at all; he was simply going TO
the Ecole do Medicine 10 buy an articu-
lated skeleton from the curator OF the col
lego. And it was the prospect OF buying
this charming object that made his eyes
fash with pleasure and his whole being
seem filed with JOY.
Anyone who has followed the course OF
the Ecole des Beaux Arts knows what the
skeleton represents in the theories Of art.
II IL the soul itself; II is at once the plan,
the support, the mold, the type, the es-
sence OF human form and beauty. Not one
OF its lines, not one OF its contours, but is
developed in the exterior parts OF the body;
In the head particularly, where the mus
cles are so fine and 80 closely applied TO the
bones Of the Uranium and face, that II
seems TO model all the features. II, some
day, some one should conceive the happy
idea OF giving a bail at which all the guests
would be Obliged to leave all but their
bones in the dressing rooms, one would be
surprised 10 see how little the company
would be changed, and how obviously the
ages over the ugly.
For four wears these ideas had been
drummcd into Julien's head by the pro.
fcssor OF aesthetic osteoloy In the Ecole
dos Beaux Arts, and Julien, fanatical about
ANYTHING connected with his art; had de-
cidcd that lac must obtain an artioulaied
skeleton ~ one OF the indispcnsablcs Of q
well equipped studio. And thus !. was
that, having naked together enough money
10 paw for this acquisition, he was hasten
ing ~ joyfully 10 the shop where he ex
pcctcd TO attain his object.
"sir," said he TO the proprietor, 81 wish
10 obtain skeleton"
"For demonstration. for anatomical
study, 10 decorate n study. or for YOU
oiliccg"
at Il for my studio. am an artist"
"Ah, then you want a choice article
You want IL thin--skeletons, you know
pre fat, or thin, as well as live men-and
YOU want IL Of medium size and homo
geneous-thatis 20 say, all the bones mus
have belonged 10 the same individual
Hum" and the shopkeeper reflected
swell, / haven't anything 10 suit you a
present. and you must walt till prope
subject is ready. Here, III give you a car
and you can 20 10 one OF the janitors o
the clinical hospital" And with that, h
wrote few words ON a card, which h
gave TO Julien and accompanied him 4
tic door.
Al the hospital his wants were soon ex
planned; the man understood tho business
IN fact, he made quito handsome add
ton to his monthly income by simila
transactions.
"But I'm afraid cannot do anythin
for YOU. SIR" he said. 81 have not had
perfect skeleton for three weeks, and-bui
let me sec. have Il now. You shall hay
your skeleton in few weeks"
"Wby not now3 j need II for m
studies Immediately"
swell, sir, you sec It's not ready. i
fact, our man hasn't died yet; but he hs
consumption, and q few moro days wi
finish him. He's Just what you wan
we'll knit, though slendehy built-just III
thing, In fact. Do you want 20 soc himp
The GOODNESS Of this proposition sent
cold shudder up and down Julien's bacl
but he stned his qualms and said:
sis II possible to do so' Come aloni
then"
In a few minutes they entered the col
tumptiye's ward, and stopped before be
No. 30.
"wcrl, Giraud," said the janitor, toucl
Ing the sick mans arm, "how goes !
Better, chi"
"Mnch better" replied the dying maj
81 shall be cured soon, the sister says"
AZ he recollecicd that he had come he
20 barter for the dying mans bone
Julien almost tainted; but he nervcd hin
tcf as the janitor whispered In his ca
Magnificent, isn't hel just what 70
want" -.
az think" said Julien, mechanical
for no felt that he must saw someihin
al think lac Is q little too tall"
ooh, no. Here, hold this" and Il
cold.blooded brute drew from bis pocket
tape measure, and thrusting one end In
JnIien's hand calmly measured the co
sumpiive's length; Gust five feet eight
DE declared. $3.50
But Julien had not heard him. VIII
he realized what he was doing he hurrt.
from tho room and started for his stndi
"Fool that ami" he cried; what ha
donc7 How could do such thin
Oh, this Il horriblel"
Arrived at his own house. he ate b
little dinner, and his sleep was disturb
with sinister Nightmares. But the NOR