Corpse for Science-CADAVERS

image credits

Cadaver is copse or a dead human body used for medical training or research.  The first physician to perform dissection is the “Father of Anatomy”, Herophilus. Anatomy Schools became popular and the demand for Cadaver raised. In order to have a vivid picture of the real human anatomy, a cadaver is used to be dissected and studied rather than dissecting a frog which is believed to have the most relevant structure to human beings. 

In eighteen and nineteenth century Prisoners were the First line of cadavers. Prisoners offer their bodies to be dissected and studied. This trending is raised because of their belief that being a sinner their souls won’t be accepted to heaven so they are the most fitted being a cadaver. It is also believed that the body that is being dissected won’t be accepted to heaven.

As science gets wider, the demand for cadavers raised but the supply lacks so by 1800, Anatomist starts paying others to do the digging. Bodies from the grave where stolen and brought to laboratories for dissection. Grave Robbery has been a business during these period for they start hiring full time grave robbers. Grave Robbery peaks during winter season for the cold ambient condition slows down the decomposition of corpse in the graveyard. Poor people’s grave was the most common victim for they cannot afford to buy coffins to secure their love-one’s dead body. 

Anatomist Thomas Sewell is prosecuted for being a “Grave Robber” in 1818. Thomas Sewell is famous for being the personal physician for three U.S. Presidents.

To avoid the crime of grave robbery some anatomist managed to dissect their own family members corpse. The picture above is William Harvey. He became famous for discovering the Circulatory System. William’s cadaver is his father and sister in researching for his discovery. 

Another concern raised from the used of cadaver is it’s disposal. Disposal of Cadavers is difficult because nearly decaying cadavers might spread decease. It is believed that some anatomist manage to secretly bury cadavers within their backyards. Another rumour says that the cadavers where sold to zoo keepers to be fed by the animals in the zoo.

This activity is done not until they manage to control decomposition through embalming and other the same methodologies.