
audiobook
by Herbert Snow
THEBARBARITY OF CIRCUMCISION
PREFATORY NOTE
I CIRCUMCISION AS A RELIGIOUS RITE.
II NATURE OF CONGENITAL PHIMOSIS—PHYSIOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE OF THE PREPUCE.
III DANGERS AND RESULTS OF CONGENITAL PHIMOSIS—ACQUIRED PHIMOSIS.
IV CUTTING OPERATIONS FOR THE RELIEF OF CONGENITAL PHIMOSIS; THEIR SUPPOSED ADVANTAGES.
V DISADVANTAGES AND DANGERS OF CIRCUMCISION.
VI ABSENCE OF NECESSITY FOR CIRCUMCISION IN CASES OF CONGENITAL PHIMOSIS—THE RATIONAL TREATMENT OF THE LATTER.
VII SUMMARY.
BIBLIOGRAPHY.
In this meticulously researched essay, a nineteenth‑century surgeon examines the ancient origins of male circumcision, tracing its appearance from biblical narratives to practices across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. He juxtaposes the ritual’s deep cultural roots with the medical arguments of his day, questioning whether the procedure truly serves any therapeutic purpose for congenital conditions. The author’s tone is earnest and humane, urging readers to consider the pain inflicted on defenseless infants.
The work blends historical scholarship with contemporary medical critique, highlighting how religious and societal traditions have often eclipsed scientific reasoning. By presenting a wide array of ethnographic examples, the writer challenges the legitimacy of maintaining the practice without solid evidence of benefit. The essay invites listeners to reflect on the balance between longstanding customs and the evolving standards of humane medical care.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (78K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by deaurider, Martin Pettit and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2018-05-03
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1847–1930
An English surgeon and medical writer, he became known for his work on cancer and for his outspoken views on vivisection. His career combined hospital practice, research, and a stream of books and essays aimed at both medical and general readers.
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