The copy belonged to Dr. Ludovic Boland, who covered it with remains that he had taken without consent from the body of a deceased patient in the hospital.
The book “The Destinies of the Soul” is bound by human skin. Photo: XFunSoAcademia.
the Harvard university On Thursday, it announced its withdrawal human skin That covered the bookDestinies of the world', in Spanish 'Destinies of the soul“, by the French writer Arsene Housaywhich has been part of one of its libraries ever since 1934.
The volume belonged to the French doctor and bibliophile Ludovic BolandWho bound him with the skin he took without permission From the body of a patient who died in the hospital where she worked, according to a statement by the prestigious university.
The transcript has been deposited in the Harvard Collection by john b. StetsonDiplomat, former college student and later his widow, Robbie F. StetsonDonate it to the library Houghton (University Rare Books and Manuscripts Repository) in 1954.
The book “The Destinies of the Soul” is bound by human skin. Photo: X @literapolicial.
Until recently, students had access to the book, and in fact, it was among students'HazingMost of the veterans asked the newcomers to take the copy, without informing them that it was contained Human remains.
The university is one of the most prestigious universitiesEdited by Ivy League'L United Staterevised the book's custody following the Steering Committee's report on human remains in university museum collections, which was published in the fall of 2014 2022.
after “Careful study“The Library has concluded that the leather used in the book no longer belongs to its collection.”Because of the morally sensitive nature of its origins and subsequent history“.
Harvard University logo. Photo: Reuters.
The college is currently trying to find more information about Boland's biography and character Unidentified patient. Moreover, he is studying Possible destination Of human remains with both the competent authorities at Harvard University and with France.
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Apologies
The history of the copy became known after an article was published on the Houghton Library's blog 2014This is what the university itself requested Sorry In the statement, making sure to prepare it with “An exciting, satisfying and humorous tone Which fueled similar international media coverage.
“Harvard Library acknowledges past failures in book management, which… They embodied human dignity and increased its vulnerability The document stated that its remains were used in its binding.
This case is reminiscent of the historical review process of many museums in the United States and Europe, which… They took it from their showrooms Human remains and objects taken without the consent of other cultures.
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