A letter to John Abernethy, Esq : written in consequence of a paragraph which appeared in most of the London papers, stating his having addressed : "A letter to the Secretary of State, on the necessity of repealing the late act of parliament which subjects resurrection men (as they are called) to severe punishment for violating the sanctuary of the tomb" / by Humanus.

Date:
1823
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A letter to John Abernethy, Esq : written in consequence of a paragraph which appeared in most of the London papers, stating his having addressed : "A letter to the Secretary of State, on the necessity of repealing the late act of parliament which subjects resurrection men (as they are called) to severe punishment for violating the sanctuary of the tomb" / by Humanus. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

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    as affording to some a respectable competency, and to others the hope of rising to it by dint of industiy and labour. iii That the profession is overburdened with prac* titioners and candidates you will readily agree; and it stands to reason, that a vast increase of pupili^ must create a vast demand of subjects for dis- section, and a comparative scarcity^ 'f^'Tf sbb- jects are principally wanted to perfect the pupil in the management of surgical instruments, why not let them exercise their fingers upon brute subjects.' You will, r dare say, smile at the idea, but it is directed by a deep sense of humanity, and a wish to promote a less objectionable mode of study than the one which is now so generally and so barba- rously in usage. ] If human subjects must be had in such numbers/ endeavour to obtain them in an open and lawfuf way; but, cease to tear up our graves, cease to produce the victims of sacrilegious theft upon ybui^ dissiecting tables, and be content with the many awarded you by the laws of the land. Petition ministers rather, or bring a bill before Parliament, that a law may be passed by which all suicides shall be given for dissection; such an act would have a most beneficial effect, inasmuch^ as