Work

“Forty Drops of Blood Make One Drop of Semen”: A Well-Traveled Aphorism

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The aphorism “Forty Drops of Blood Make One Drop of Semen” has often been cited as sexual lore that is both Indian and ancient. The idea appears to be medieval Arab lore, however, being recorded in work by Ibn Sina, which explains its ubiquity in early modern Europe. The dictum may have traveled to Asia (India, but also China) via much later European texts. This historical vignette raises broader questions concerning the global dissemination of sexual lore, past and present.

Source: Journal of Psychosexual Health

DOI: 10.1177/26318318251326159

Author: Diederik F. Janssen

Institution: Maastricht University

Language: English

Topic: Historical Studies on Reproduction, Gender, Health, and Societal Changes

Subfield: History

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4409380885

FWCI:

Cites: 18

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Related to: 10