Harvard University Library has made headlines by removing the binding of human skin from a 19th-century book housed within its esteemed Houghton Library collection. The book in question, Des Destinées de l’Ame (Destinies of the Soul), has been a part of Harvard’s library since the 1930s, attracting attention in 2014 when scientists confirmed its macabre binding material to indeed be human skin.
This significant decision was recently announced by Harvard University, citing the ethically contentious origins and subsequent history of the book as the driving force behind the removal of its human skin binding. The university emphasized the importance of careful consideration and stakeholder engagement in reaching this decision, acknowledging the need to uphold ethical standards in its collections.
Des Destinées de l’Ame, authored by Arsène Houssaye in the mid-1880s, delves into themes of the soul and life after death. The book’s journey to Harvard involves an intriguing backstory; reportedly, it was gifted by Houssaye to his friend, Dr. Ludovic Bouland, a physician who purportedly bound the book with skin sourced from an unclaimed female patient who had died of natural causes.
Harvard University expressed its commitment to ensuring a respectful disposition for the human remains, stating its intention to conduct additional biographical and provenance research into the anonymous female patient. The university’s efforts underscore a dedication to honoring the dignity of those whose remains are implicated in such historical artifacts.
Intriguingly, a note found within Des Destinées de l’Ame, written by Dr. Bouland himself, sheds light on the motivations behind the unconventional binding choice. He explained that he had retained a piece of human skin from the back of a woman, deeming it a fitting covering for a book exploring the depths of the human soul.
Despite the fascination surrounding books bound in human skin, Harvard University acknowledged that its past handling of such artifacts had fallen short of ethical standards. The university expressed regret for past instances where the book’s macabre nature was sensationalized or trivialized, recognizing the need for sensitivity and respect in addressing these historical artifacts.
While the practice of binding books in human skin, termed anthropodermic bibliopegy, dates back centuries, it remains a topic of both curiosity and ethical debate. Simon Chaplin, former head of the Wellcome Library, noted that this practice was primarily conducted in the 19th century by doctors who had access to human bodies for dissection, often for reasons more sensational than practical.
Harvard’s decision to remove the human skin binding from Des Destinées de l’Ame reflects a broader societal reckoning with the ethical implications of such historical artifacts, highlighting the importance of ethical stewardship and respectful treatment of human remains in academic and cultural institutions.
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