I didn't remember the knife, though that sounds very plausible. But would probably not work too well to inflict a bullet would. :) Actually I am curious, why do you believe that such a devoted colleague (and perhaps more than a friend) might have done such a thing - so clearly against what Robespierre would have wanted? And then, when he failed to kill Robespierre, not shown any sign of remorse or sadness, just stood there impassive? I guess it's possible he could have gotten his hands on the gun, but why committ this horrible act against someone he knew well and loved?

And I am sure you are absolutely right about the meningitis. I had it confused with MS (they both start with M and are debilitating neurological conditions?). ;)