Aphrodisiacs and Anti-aphrodisiacs: Three Essays on the Powers of Reproduction

"Aphrodisiacs and Anti-aphrodisiacs: Three Essays on the Powers of Reproduction" by John Davenport is a scientific study from the 1800s which examines the historical importance societies placed on the ability to reproduce. The book looks at various substances and actions that have been thought to either boost or decrease sexual energy. It covers old rituals, symbols, and beliefs about having children from different parts of the world, showing how ideas about sex have changed through history. The book begins with a preface discussing how much ancient societies honored reproductive abilities, often shown through the worship of phallic symbols. Davenport thinks about how ancient and modern views of sexuality differ, as something that might be seen as inappropriate now was once considered sacred. Davenport wants to help people understand these old beliefs, because this information is not often shared in books about sexuality, and he wishes to give readers interesting stories about reproduction and the ability to bear children.