History of Anatomy
Human cadaver dissection is definitely not a popular subject of conversation around the water cooler. But the knowledge of anatomy and the advancement in medicine have been tremendously affected by this valuable avenue of exploration. According to Joel Howell, a Professor of History and Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan, “Without the anatomical understanding of the human body that is afforded by dissection, much of modern medicine would simply not exist.”
In the 4th century BC, Aristotle and Hippocrates produced an empirically founded system based on animal dissection. The first use of human cadavers for anatomical research occurred later in the 4th century BC when Herophilos and Erasistratus gained permission to perform human dissection on executed criminals in Alexandria.
By the 2nd century BC, Galen, a Greek Anatomist, had been prohibited by Roman law to dissect human cadavers, therefore was confined to dissecting pigs, dogs and apes, with the belief that their anatomy was the same as humans. His work was the basis for all anatomical understandings and would remain unchallenged for nearly 1400 years as science entered the Dark Ages.
In the late 15th century, Leonardo da Vinci began making anatomical drawings secretly using human cadavers. He began to detail the skeletal, muscular and vascular systems. In 1543, Andreas Vesalius, the father of modern anatomy, published a series of detailed woodcuts of dissected corpses, finally challenging the accuracy of Galen’s work 1400 years earlier.
Although human cadaver dissection was prohibited in England until the 16th century, there was a selected group of physicians and surgeons from the Royal College of Physicians and Company of Barber Surgeons, who were given permission to dissect a very limited number of cadavers.
The Murder Act of 1752 allowed for the bodies of executed murderers to be dissected for anatomical research and education. The problem arose by the 19th century that the supply of cadavers could not withstand the demand, therefore leading to a black market of body snatchers which lead to The Anatomy Act of 1832 which greatly increased the legal supply of cadavers for medical dissection.
As we have progressed through the 20th century and into the 21st, dissection has earned the understanding that has made it a valuable part of medical education. In 1994, Gil Hedley began offering human cadaver dissection workshops to body workers. This has sparked an outgrowth of studies for the alternative therapies practitioners that is growing.
Medical discoveries are being made daily. We invite you to become a part of history.
