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기사입력 : 2024.03.30 05:18
Harvard University recently made a significant decision regarding a 19th-century book housed within its library's collection, opting to remove its binding made of human skin due to the ethical concerns surrounding its origin.
The book in question, Des Destinées de l'Ame (Destinies of the Soul), has resided in Harvard's Houghton Library since the 1930s. However, it gained widespread attention in 2014 upon confirming through tests that its cover was indeed crafted from human skin.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the university conveyed that, following a thorough examination involving various stakeholders, the decision was made to detach the human skin binding. Furthermore, Harvard pledged to collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure the respectful preservation of the binding post-removal.
Authored by Arsène Houssaye, a French novelist, in the mid-1880s, the book delves into contemplations on the essence of the soul and the afterlife. It was originally bound with human skin by Ludovic Bouland, a French doctor who acquired the material from a deceased patient at the hospital where he practiced, purportedly without her consent.
Reflecting on this historical misstep, Harvard acknowledged the egregious nature of Bouland's actions, emphasizing the violation of the patient's dignity. The university expressed a belief that it is now time to lay to rest the remains associated with such unethical practices.
In the past, Harvard's handling of this revelation was marked by a somewhat flippant attitude, as evidenced by instances of ritual hazing among students tasked with accessing the book without prior knowledge of its macabre cover. However, the university now recognizes the inappropriateness of this approach, expressing regret for its previous lighthearted treatment of the matter.
The practice of anthropodermal bookbinding, though prevalent in the 19th century, has roots dating back to at least the 1500s. Harvard's acknowledgment of the morbid historical context surrounding the book's binding underscores a commitment to rectifying past insensitivities and upholding the dignity of all individuals involved.
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