The Anatomy Act of 1832

Description: 

The anatomy act of 1832 was put in place in order to try and protect and give people piece of mind during this time. The purpose of this act was to sort of to calm the storm and meet the supply and demand of bodies needed during this time for studies. It gave licensed anatomy teachers and people in the medical field a legal supply of corpses through unclaimed bodies, deaths of workers and prisoners, and donations. This is significant because it shows just how horrific things were and the thought processes that took place from a legal standpoint in order to get things back to a relaxed state in the community. This law not only allowed for more immoral acts to happen but opened a gate for “resurrectionist” to take advantage of getting these bodies “legally”.

 

Associated Place(s)

Part of Group:

Artist: 

  • William Hogarth

Image Date: 

1751