Historia Universitatis Iassiensis 6, 279–342
Abstract. This study is dedicated to the life of University Professor Dimitrie Alexandresco. Born in Iaşi, he left to study abroad in Paris, France. There, he first enrolled at the „Henri-IV” High-School, then at the Law School in Sorbona and later at the Law School in Paris. After obtaining his Law Degree, he returned home where he practiced law and filled a number of different positions in the Romanian legal system. Apart from achieving other honors, he became a professor for the Department of Law in Iaşi, being one of the most remarkable among its fellows. Alexandresco got involved in politics as well, representing the interests of the conservative intellectuals in Iasi. He became known in Europe thanks to his works. His most important one, published in 11 volumes, is called “The Theoretical and Practical Explanation of Romanian Civil Law” (“Explicaţiunea teoretică şi practică a dreptului civil român“) and is still relevant to this day. He was also Dean of the Department of Law in Iaşi for four times, although he died before he could finish his final mandate. He lived almost his entire life in Iaşi and was always preoccupied by the future of this city. He distinguished himself through his goodwill and his vast knowledge concerning international law. There have been works written already about the activity of this particular university professor, but none using archived documents. Thereby, through the use of a new documentary material, this study brings new information to light and helps rectify past mistakes. As an example, Dimitrie Alexandresco was not born on the 1st-4th of October, 1850 as it was believed up until now, but rather on the 8th of August, 1851. This date has been confirmed by a document kept in the French Archives as well as by two others kept in the Archives of Iaşi. By analyzing all of the stages of this man’s career, this study aims to clear up any confusion there might be in the information present at this date. Another example could be the fact that there are no works or studies about the family of Alexandresco, while information regarding his wife and children is presented here. Finally, the publishing of 21 remarkable letters, found at BCU Iaşi, brings new data regarding the life of the Romanian students in Paris.
