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Quite accidentally we came across a very curious book, a long forgotten French novel entitled “Mademoiselle Tantale.” The book was published in the beginning of the year 1884, and its author was the magistrate, J. L. Dubut de Laforest ,. The edition at hand forms part of a collection of miscellaneous writings of the same author , and bears the promising title: “Pathologie Sociale.—Mademoiselle Tantale. La Transfusion du Sang. Le Gaga. Morphine. Hypnotisme. Fécondation artificielle. Monomanes. Nymphomanes. Tératologic Le Vaccin de la Syphilis. Les Rayons X et le Fluoroscope.” While reading this title one would believe it to be a text-book in the style of Krafft-Ebing's famous “Psychopathia Sexualis”; but glancing through the pages one becomes aware that this book represents a series of novels, short stories, and literary sketches, the whole in form of pseudo-scientific treatises—a most peculiar piece of literature.
“Mademoiselle Tantale” starts with a dedication by the author to Professor Charcot. Dubut mentions a very flattering letter which he had received from the great psychiatrist on the occasion of his book “Tete a l'envers”; he also mentions a very detailed discussion of this book by the famous criminologist Lombroso. He then outlines the ideal which he aims at in his writings in the following way: “L'étude des sensations appliquée à l'histoire des moeurs, les conditions de santé physique des individus influant sur les conditions de santé morale et établissant les assises des comédies et des drames, telle est la route que j'essaye de frayer.” Mademoiselle Tantale, he continues, is the true story of a young woman whose case is no exception and therefore is of general interest.
A synopsis of “Mademoiselle Tantale” follows:
Miss Mary Folkestone was born in London as the illegitimate daughter of an English diplomat, Lord Ringham, and Miss Folk-stone, a famous dancer at the Covent Garden Theatre. From early childhood she showed artistic inclinations. Following her phy