OR, MEMOIRS OF A PHYSICIAN
Anonymous translation, 1847
Published in 1846, this novel forms the first part of a series that concerns the life and personality of the Count of Cagliostro, along with The Queen’s Necklace, Ange Pitou and The Countess de Charny. This first volume of the series follows the machinations of the eponymous character who wants to bring happiness to men by undermining the monarchies of the world, seeking to establish governments based on popular sovereignty. Balsamo is an enigmatic protagonist, who is portrayed as an alchemist, conspirator and Freemason, in quest of bringing down the French monarchy.