Harvard University made the decision to remove human skin from the binding of the book “Des destinées de l’âme” in Houghton Library due to ethical concerns surrounding its origin and history. French physician Dr. Ludovic Bouland had taken the skin without consent from a deceased female patient and used it to bind the book, believing that a book about the human soul deserved to have a human covering. The removal was prompted by a library review following a report on human remains in the university’s museum collections.
The handwritten note found inside the book detailed the process Bouland used to prepare the skin for binding. Harvard Library and the Harvard Museum Collections Returns Committee deemed that the human remains used in the book’s binding did not belong in the university’s collection due to the ethically fraught nature of its origins and subsequent history. The removed skin is now being stored securely at Harvard Library while additional research is conducted into the book, Bouland, and the anonymous female patient. The library is also collaborating with French authorities to determine a final and respectful disposition for the skin.
Bouland had received his copy of “Des destinées de l’âme” from the author Arsène Houssaye in the early 1880s. The book has been part of the Harvard Library collection since 1934 when it was deposited by John B. Stetson Jr., a philanthropist and businessman. The removal of the human skin from the book highlights the ongoing ethical dilemmas faced by institutions regarding the handling and display of human remains. It also raises questions about the provenance of items in museums and libraries, as well as the importance of conducting thorough research into the history of objects within collections.
The decision to remove the human skin from the binding of “Des destinées de l’âme” reflects a growing awareness of the need for ethical considerations in the curation and management of museum and library collections. The removal process also underscores the significance of transparency and accountability in dealing with sensitive and controversial issues related to human remains and their cultural significance. By conducting additional research into the book, Bouland, and the female patient, Harvard Library is taking steps to ensure that the origins and histories of its collections are understood and addressed in a respectful manner.
As institutions like Harvard University grapple with the complexities of preserving and displaying materials with problematic histories, it is vital to engage in open dialogue and collaboration with stakeholders, experts, and the communities affected by these issues. The removal of the human skin from the book’s binding serves as a reminder of the importance of ongoing ethical review and assessment of collections, as well as the need to uphold ethical standards and practices in the stewardship of cultural heritage. Harvard Library’s commitment to conducting further research and working with French authorities to determine the final disposition of the human remains demonstrates a dedication to addressing the ethical challenges posed by items with contentious origins.
