Tractus de Hermaphrodites; Or, A Treatise of Hermaphrodites

A rare eighteenth‑century pamphlet that delves into the classification, legal status, and alleged biology of individuals described as hermaphrodites. It mixes earnest anatomical observation with the era’s moral anxieties and a wry, sometimes scandal‑provoking tone. Listeners will hear how the author frames the subject as both curiosity and entertainment for a London readership.

The work catalogues different “sorts,” describes how the law treated them in marriage, and spins anecdotes of “intrigues” and bizarre conceptions, all while defending the text against accusations of obscenity. It reflects the period’s blend of scientific curiosity, folklore, and social commentary, giving modern ears a glimpse into early modern attitudes toward gender variance. The narration stays within the first act, presenting the author’s prefaces and methodology without revealing any later resolutions.

Readers who enjoy a blend of history, medicine, and the peculiar sensibilities of the Enlightenment will find the treatise a provocative snapshot of its time. Its language, though dated, carries a restless curiosity that still resonates today.