Origins & Early Life

Henry Havelock Ellis (2 February 1859 – 8 July 1939) was an English physician, eugenicist, writer, progressive intellectual and social reformer who studied human sexuality. He co-wrote the first medical textbook in English on homosexuality in 1897, and also published works on a variety of sexual practices and inclinations, as well as on transgender psychology. He developed the notions of narcissism and autoeroticism, later adopted by psychoanalysis. Ellis was among the pioneering investigators of psychedelic drugs and the author of one of the first written reports to the public about an experience with mescaline, which he conducted on himself in 1896.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He supported eugenics and served as one of 16 vice-presidents of the Eugenics Society from 1909 to 1912. Ellis, son of Edward Peppen Ellis and Susannah Mary Wheatley, was born in Croydon, Surrey (now part of Greater London). He had four sisters, none of whom married. His father was a sea captain and an Anglican, while his mother was the daughter of a sea captain who had many other relatives that lived on or near the sea. When he was seven his father took him on one of his voyages, during which they called at...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Alexis de Tocqueville — Contemporary (Died in 1859) (1859): French philosopher known for analyzing Western democracy and social trends.
• Ada Yonath — Contemporary (Born in 1939) (1939): Pioneering crystallographer known for elucidating the structure and function of the ribosome.
• Alexander Yegorov (general) — Contemporary (Died in 1939) (1939): Soviet military leader and one of the original Marshals of the Soviet Union.
• Alphonse Mucha — Contemporary (Died in 1939) (1939): Master of Art Nouveau, famed for decorative posters and The Slav Epic.
• Abba Eban — Shared historical date (02-02 · Born) (1915): Israeli diplomat, politician, and scholar of Arabic and Hebrew languages.
• Amrit Kaur — Shared historical date (02-02 · Born) (1889): Pioneering Indian politician and the first woman Health Minister of independent India.
• Albert of Saxony (philosopher) — Shared historical date (07-08 · Died) (1390): German philosopher and mathematician known for logic and physics, and Bishop of Halberstadt.
• Anjelica Huston — Shared historical date (07-08 · Born) (1951): Esteemed American actress known for eccentric roles and multiple industry awards.
• 1859 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1859
• February 2 (02-02) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 2
• 1939 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1939
• July 8 (07-08) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on July 8