Love, wind eggs, and mere conceptions: non-generation in William Harvey's De conceptione

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• History of Science
• Early Modern Medicine

Background:

• William Harvey's seminal work, *De conceptione*, is traditionally viewed through the lens of generative processes.
• Existing scholarship primarily focuses on Harvey's theories of fetal development and generation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a novel interpretation of Harvey's *De conceptione*.
• To explore Harvey's engagement with non-generative conception and its implications.
• To analyze the role of erotic and maternal love in Harvey's understanding of the conceiving body.

Main Methods:

• Close reading of William Harvey's *De conceptione*.
• Analysis of Harvey's conceptualization of conception versus generation.
• Examination of Harvey's use of love as a diagnostic tool for reproductive events.

Main Results:

• Harvey's work encompasses non-generative conceptions, including false pregnancies.
• Love, desire, and devotion are presented as biologically significant indicators in Harvey's framework.
• Harvey utilizes concepts like 'wind eggs' and 'fictions of the wind' to explain non-reproductive conception.

Conclusions:

• Harvey's understanding of conception extends beyond mere generation, incorporating non-reproductive experiences.
• The study highlights the intricate relationship between love, conception, and biological interpretation in Harvey's work.
• Harvey's framework accommodates both reproductive and un-reproductive experiences, challenging traditional interpretations.