Erotic Medical Guide with 21 Chromolithographs and Clasp Binding, c.1900
This late-19th-century erotic–medical volume, “De gezondheidsleer der liefde” by M. Platen, is an extensive Dutch edition of a popular European sexual-hygiene and natural-medicine handbook, published around 1900 by Bong & Co. in Berlin. Works of this type, combining medical instruction, marital advice and explicit anatomical teaching, were widely circulated on the European continent but survive today far less frequently with all plates present and in the original decorative binding.
The book is richly illustrated, containing 21 chromolithograph plates, including two rare multi-layered anatomical plates that reveal internal structures through liftable segments. These plates were designed as a didactic tool in an era when visual instruction was essential to medical and hygienic education. In addition, the book includes 56 text illustrations covering topics such as reproductive anatomy, childbirth, venereal disease, hygiene, marital relations, and broader aspects of natural medicine. Together, the plates and text provide a vivid window into the medical and moral thinking of the period, particularly in the field once known as “Liebeswissenschaft” or the science of love.
The original pictorial embossed cloth binding, complete with a functioning clasp, adds significant appeal. These bindings were produced to suggest respectability and scientific merit while protecting the content from casual viewing. Today they are sought after by collectors of medical history, erotic literature, and late-Victorian chromolithographic illustration. The substantial pagination—VI, 820, and 42 pages of supplements—highlights how comprehensive this manual was intended to be for readers navigating questions of sexuality, health, and modern hygiene.
This copy presents well and remains complete, an uncommon survival in this condition. For collectors of medical history, social history, sexology, or illustrated scientific books of the fin-de-siècle, it is a strong and interesting example with a full suite of plates and an intact binding. Suitable for both private collectors and institutional libraries with holdings in medicine, gender studies, or print culture.
Condition report: Hinges slightly weak but secure. Spine ends lightly rubbed. Decorative cloth clean with minor wear. Clasp present and functional. Owner’s inscription on title page has been blotted out. Plates complete and in good condition. Normal age toning and occasional small handling marks consistent with age and use.
Technique: Chromolithography and letterpress Maker: M. Platen, Bong & Co., Berlin, c.1900
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