The Salle du Conseil de Santé

In 1788, the year the Naval Hospital was built, a room on the Naval Medical School’s ground floor was put to use as a setting for its Anatomical Cabinet. The specimens, which were preserved for educational purposes, were exhibited in the display cases that are still in place today.

The Health Council

The Health Council moved into the room in the mid-19th century when the collections went on exhibition in the Museum on the 2nd floor of the building. It held its meetings round the table that still furnishes the room, near the classroom now known as the Salle des Actes.

Formed in 1794 under the name of “Comité de salubrité navale”, the Health Council was represented in each port. It was interested in all matters pertaining to health, which were of particular concern in Rochefort. For example, it recommended measures for cleaning up the city’s streets and draining the marshes. It also played a role in management of epidemics, by checking ships, their cargoes and their provenance. The Health Council managed the Naval Medical School’s and Naval Hospital’s operation as well.

In addition to preserving its late 18th- century decoration, the Salle du Conseil de Santé (Health Council Chamber) exemplifies the Naval Medical School’s importance and embodies its scientific aura. These days, it can be visited during guided tours lasting 1h30; the medical and scientific books and collections exhibited in it form a prelude to the visit to the upper floors.