The practice of binding books in human skin has long been a topic of fascination and curiosity. Many people have wondered if this macabre technique was truly employed by bookbinders in the past. However, recent scientific analyses have confirmed that books were indeed bound in human skin.
Various examples of these books, known as anthropodermic bindings, exist in libraries and museums around the world. Until recently, the authenticity of these bindings was often met with skepticism. However, a team of scientists from the University of Harvard conducted a study using a non-invasive technique called peptide mass fingerprinting, providing concrete evidence to support the claims.
One extraordinary example is a book held in the library of Harvard University. This work, titled "Des destinees de l'ame" (On the Destiny of the Soul), is an account of the life and thoughts of Arsène Houssaye, a renowned French writer. The book had always been suspected of being bound in human skin but had never been definitively confirmed until now. The peptide mass fingerprinting analysis carried out on tiny samples of its binding conclusively proved that, indeed, it was made from human skin.
While some may find this practice disturbing and repugnant, it is essential to understand its historical significance. Anthropodermic bindings were commonly created during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries as a means to preserve the memory of an individual. In some cases, these books were made using the skin of executed criminals or deceased individuals who consented to be used in such a way posthumously.
It is important to note that the motive behind binding books in human skin varied. In some cases, the purpose was purely sentimental, attempting to connect the author's work and thoughts to the physical body. Others saw it as a way to honor the deceased by literally keeping them close. It was believed that the binding in human skin added value and importance to the book, both aesthetically and conceptually.
The practice of using human skin for binding gradually declined as societal norms began to change, and public opinion shifted. It was seen as an unethical and morally questionable practice, leading to a decrease in its popularity. Furthermore, advancements in bookbinding techniques and the increasing availability of other materials also contributed to its decline.
In conclusion, recent scientific analyses have provided solid evidence that books were indeed bound in human skin. The practice, although controversial by today's standards, was prevalent during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. These anthropodermic bindings were created as a means to preserve the memory of an individual and honor the deceased. With changing societal norms and the availability of alternative materials, the practice eventually faded away. Nonetheless, these books serve as a tangible reminder of a macabre but historically significant aspect of bookbinding.
