75 - GRIMAUD DE CAUX (Gabriel) and MARTIN SAINT-ANGE (Gaspard-Joseph). Physiology of the Species. History of Human Reproduction, Preceded by a Comparative Study of This Function in the Major Divisions of the Animal Kingdom. Paris, H. Cousin, 1837. One volume, in-4, half-calf pastiche. Scattered foxing, moisture stain along the margin.

GRIMAUD DE CAUX (Gabriel) and MARTIN SAINT-ANGE (Gaspard-Joseph). Physiology of the Species. History of Human Reproduction, Preceded by a Comparative Study of This Function in the Major Divisions of the Animal Kingdom. Paris, H. Cousin, 1837. One volume, in-4, half-calf pastiche. Scattered foxing, moisture stain along the margin. First edition illustrated with 12 plates drawn by Martin Saint-Ange, printed in two states: a lithographic proof and a steel engraving proof printed on China paper and mounted. The text is divided into three main parts: the anatomy and physiology of reproduction; the hygiene and medicine of procreation; and applied morality and legislation. The last two parts of the work include chapters on the role of the imagination in sexual activity, aphrodisiac substances (notably truffles and “chocolate for the afflicted”), masturbation, impotence, and infertility, as well as certain ethical and legal issues such as early marriage and priestly celibacy. The author also publishes in this volume George Sand’s letter to Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire (a pre-original, unpublished version, reproduced without authorization): “I bow down before scholars as before the spiritual fathers of humankind.”