Procuring Corpses: The English Anatomy Inspectorate, 1842 to 1858.

The article explores the procedures of the anatomy inspectorate in Great Britain between 1842 and 1858 and the requirements of the British Anatomy Act regarding the dissection of remains and their disposal. The common public assumption that discovered remains may have come from medical schools or was evidence of a crime committed by a medical student is addressed. It is argued that the inspectorate often became embroiled in unlawful and unethical means of obtaining and distributing corpses for anatomical examinations at British medical schools. How the unpopularity of autopsy among the public during mid-19th century had an impact on the laws and practices regarding human remains are analyzed.