*** start of the project gutenberg ebook 1405 *** the collection of antiquities by honore de balzac translated by ellen marriage dedication to baron von hammer-purgstall, member of the aulic council, author of the history of the ottoman empire. dear baron,--you have taken so warm an interest in my long, vast history of french manners in the nineteenth century, you have given me so much encouragement to persevere with my work, that you have given me a right to associate yo...