The Art of the Fart. Essay on the physical theory and method of farting [for use by constipated persons, grave and rigid persons, melancholic ladies, and all those who are slave to prejudice. Includes the Tale of Prince Airfart and the Queen of the Amazons].

Not just a funny pamphlet, but a classic of comical pseudo-medical literature, full of erudite references and quotations; a lesson in tolerance; and a plea for libertine hedonism. This work, written by Pierre-Thomas-Nicolas Hurtaut, was first published anonymously in 1751. Several more editions were published throughout the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century.

The author proposes to enlighten his readers, who are all practitioners but sadly lacking in scientific background, of the differences in farts. He offers a scientific classification according to musical merits, and discusses methods of prolonging, modulating or minimizing sound. The treatise is a guide to physical well-being desired by nature — being a slave to prejudice can be very unhealthy, as shown by the case of a lady who, par coquetterie, had not farted for twelve years, and died from having restrained herself too much. But perhaps equally important is the delight or pleasure provided by the Art of the Fart.

… this rag, in which by the way there is neither charm nor wit, is a proof of how the presses are abused…”
Correspondance littéraire, philosophique et critique, 1751

— currently out of stock