Bernard had literary aspirations, being especially attracted toward the drama, and spent much of his time at the Théâtre des Célestines. He wrote a vaudeville comedy entitled "La Rose du Rhône" which was accepted and attained a fair degree of success. Thus encouraged, he started in earnest to write a five-act historical drama in prose and determined to seek his fortune in Paris. On reaching the city, in 1834 when
he was twenty-one years old, he presented his manuscript of "Arthur de Bretagne" with a letter of introduction to the great critic, Saint-Marc Girardin, who received him kindly and saw that the work possessed merit, but, knowing the uncertainties of a writer's life, suggested that Bernard take up some work whereby he could make a living. Hearing of his former pharmaceutical training, Girardin suggested that he study medicine. Bernard followed the suggestion and, for five years, applied himself to the work. He was especially interested in anatomy and
