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Last Updated on March 29, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes
Harvard University Takes Action to Remove Book Bound in Human Skin from Collection
Harvard University recently made headlines with the announcement of the removal of a book bound in human skin from its collection at the Houghton Library. The book in question is Arsène Houssaye’s “Des destinées de l’âme,” published in 1879 and bound in human skin by French physician Dr. Ludovic Bouland.
Dr. Bouland reportedly took the skin from an unnamed deceased female patient without consent from a French psychiatric hospital where he worked. The decision to remove the human skin binding came after a review prompted by recommendations from a 2022 report on human remains in university collections.
Scholar Paul Needham had been advocating for the removal of the human skin binding for nearly a decade and co-authored an open letter published in The Harvard Crimson. Harvard University acknowledged past failures in stewardship of the book, which was also reportedly used in a hazing ritual for student employees.
The human binding was removed in March and is currently in secure storage at Harvard Library, while consultations are being held to determine an appropriate way to lay the remains to rest. Harvard University has stated its commitment to moving forward with care, sensitivity, and ethical responsibility regarding human remains in its collections.
This decision reflects a growing recognition of the need to address ethical concerns surrounding the treatment of human remains in academic settings. Harvard University’s handling of this situation serves as a model for other institutions to follow in addressing similar issues with sensitivity and respect.
