“In Science, the Obscene does not Exist”. Paolo Mantegazza and the Blurred Boundaries between Sexual Science, Anthropology and Pornography (1870-1910)

Focusing on the publication of Paolo Mantegazza’s book Gli amori degli uomini (1886-1887), this paper aims to investigate the connections between sexual science, anthropology and pornography in the second part of nineteenth century Italy. It shows that, even at the origins of Italian sexual science, the scientific and pornographic dimensions were deeply intertwined. Firstly, by dealing with the strong ambiguity that characterizes Mantegazza’s work, it discusses the debate surrounding the publication of the book, paying particular attention to the correspondence between Mantegazza and his publisher, Emilio Treves, and the reactions of public opinion. Subsequently, by analysing Mantegazza’s erotic library, it shows that his books share similar discourses and language with the most popular pornographic literature of the time. Finally, the article analyses Mantegazza’s conscious exploitation of this “fluid milieu” of genres to better disseminate his sexual science and reflects on the blurred boundaries that existed at the time between sexual science, anthropology and pornography.