The scene of Cho Lon vaccination in 1890, the villa of scientist Truong Vinh Ky... is in the photo collection of French doctor JC Baurac.
Southerners getting vaccinated in Cho Lon, the 1890s. Photo is in the work "Cochinchina and its inhabitants: Eastern Provinces", by JC Baurac - a French colonial doctor who came to Vietnam in the 19th century - perform. Vaccination is part of Baurac's work in South Vietnam. In the book, he wrote that because the smallpox epidemic situation in the South in the 1890s became tense, the authorities had to continuously organize mobile vaccination sites in many places to prevent and limit the spread.
The book was recently introduced in the country, included in a series of two books "Cochinchina and its inhabitants", the first volume about the Western provinces and the second volume about the Eastern provinces, both by doctor JC Baurac. The photos in the book were taken by Baurac himself or collected from photographers. The work is a valuable document about the 19th century South through French eyes, translated by Huynh Ngoc Linh.
A vaccination session in the South in the 1890s. Dr. Baurac's epidemiological survey journey at the end of the 19th century not only contributed to research on improving hygiene and overcoming epidemic problems through vaccination, but also helped him contact and collect a lot of information to create a set of geographical books for the French at that time.
A “xap troupe” (transliterated from the French word “chaloupe”), also known as a motorboat, is used as a vaccination site in the South. Baurac said that in Go Cong county, the number of people coming to get vaccinated each session is about 5.000 (population 68.000). He wrote in the book: "Today, indigenous people have great faith in vaccines, they take more care of their children's health, as well as their own."
Ganh Rai Quarantine Camp - where the colonial government quarantined infected passengers on ships entering the Cochin river region.
A scene of Southern people's activities recorded by JC Baurac.
Portrait of Governor Tran Ba Loc (1839 - 1899), a powerful collaborator of the French colonialists, who suppressed many uprisings of southern farmers in the late 19th century. Tran Ba Loc is also mentioned by the canal system The peach mine established by his commander brought benefits to the land of Dong Thap Muoi.
The book also introduces rare documents about landscape photos, such as the peaceful garden space of the Lyonnais cafe, Saigon in 1864. The photos were printed on white paper.
The family home of scientist Truong Vinh Ky (1837 - 1898) in Cho Lon, taken by photographer Émile Gsell (1838 - 1879) around 1870.
House next to the river bank at low tide. Thanks to his long years of living and working, having to do in-depth fieldwork in each locality, Dr. Baurac understands the country through his professional journey along the river system, thereby accessing data on the population. , geography, geographical and natural features, history...
A village in Go Vap at the end of the 19th century. Ange Eugène Nicolaï - deputy governor of Cochinchina in the period 1897-1898 once reviewed the book: "I have read your book over and over again. The smallest details have been captured and presented with the vividness and conviction of someone who has witnessed, participated (...) as well as the progress achieved and then found the point that attracts readers to his work. me. This project is really necessary for the South...".
On the banks of the Saigon River in the 19th century, the left corner is the Thu Ngu flagpole. This work was built in 1865, when it was first formed, it functioned as a signal post for ships entering and exiting the canals in the Saigon - Gia Dinh area. Along with Nha Rong Wharf, Bach Dang Wharf and Mong Bridge, the flagpole is an important element that creates a unique historical and cultural complex, and is a witness to the urban development process of Ho Chi Minh City. Early last year, the flagpole was restored, trees were planted around it, and stone benches were planted to serve tourists, at a cost of 10 billion VND from socialization.
Mai Nhat – Vnexpress
