Harvard University Removes Book Bound in Human Skin: A Dark Chapter Uncovered
Harvard University’s Houghton Library recently made headlines as it announced the removal of a 19th-century book bound in human skin due to ethical concerns, shedding light on a dark chapter in its history.
Harvard's Shocking Discovery
Harvard University's Houghton Library, known for housing a vast collection of books, found itself at the center of controversy when it was revealed that one of its most infamous possessions, Des Destinées de l'Ame (Destinies of the Soul), was bound with human skin. This grim discovery, dating back to the 1930s, only came to light after testing conducted in 2014. The 19th-century text by Arsène Houssaye, a meditation on death and the human soul, shocked many with its macabre binding.
Recently, Harvard Library took a bold step by announcing the removal of the human skin binding due to the ethically fraught nature of the book's origins. It was uncovered that the skin used for binding was stolen from a deceased female medical patient who did not provide consent for such a use. This revelation sparked further investigations into the patient's identity and led to collaboration with authorities in both the U.S. and France to determine a respectful final disposition for these human remains.
Unveiling Harvard's Past Failures
While Harvard University acknowledges its failure to uphold ethical standards in preserving Des Destinées de l'Ame, it also admitted that the text was available to anyone who requested it until relatively recently. Shockingly, there are reports of the book being used in hazing rituals for student employees, adding another layer of darkness to its history. Students were unknowingly sent on missions to retrieve the book without realizing its disturbing origins.
In a statement, Harvard Library expressed regret for its past stewardship of the book, recognizing that it further objectified and compromised the dignity of the deceased whose remains were used in its binding. The institution has since apologized to those affected by these actions and has placed the human skin binding in respectful temporary storage.
The Curious Case of Des Destinées de l'Ame
The story behind Harvard's copy of Des Destinées de l'Ame is as chilling as it is fascinating. The book was initially owned by French physician Dr. Ludovic Bouland, who bound it with human skin from a deceased patient without their consent. Houssaye himself reportedly presented the copy to Dr. Bouland before it underwent this macabre transformation.
Dr. Bouland went to great lengths to preserve the human skin cover, even leaving a note inside the book instructing against embossing or stamping to maintain its elegance. His eerie declaration that "A book about the human soul deserved to have a human covering" adds a haunting layer to this tale of literary horror.
Harvard's Ongoing Ethical Dilemma
Harvard's decision to remove the human skin binding from Des Destinées de l'Ame comes as part of broader recommendations following the Report of the Harvard University Steering Committee on Human Remains in University Museum Collections. This report highlighted Harvard's possession of an extensive collection of human remains, including those of enslaved individuals and Indigenous people.
The university has been urged to return these remains to familial descendants or their respective communities, especially when ancestry is uncertain. By taking steps towards rectifying its past missteps, Harvard aims to navigate this ethical dilemma with respect and integrity.
As Harvard University grapples with this dark chapter in its history, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ethical stewardship and respect for human dignity in all aspects of academia and research.
Hey there, I'm Mohamed Rahat, your go-to writer for all things business and economy. Originally from Mumbai, now rocking it in Navi Mumbai. With a past life at Tata Power Co. Ltd., I'm here to unravel the mysteries of the economic world, one article at a time. Stick around for some mind-bending insights! Connect With Me