| The physical aspect of a document may provide an indication of its importance. The imposing size of this item and the quality of the writing reflect the prestige of the recipient. This valuable document is the first letters patent raising a Canadian to the ranks of the nobility. Only eleven Canadians were so honoured by the King of France during the French Regime. Robert Giffard practiced medicine for nearly 30 years and was a member of the Sovereign Council, the administrative body of New France, initially consisting of the governor, the bishop, the intendant and five councillors. MG 18 H1 |