The anatomists. Part 2, The body snatchers.

The second in a three-part series on anatomy inspired by the work of Prof. Gunther Von Hagen who dissects and preserves human corpses using a unique preservation technique. His work is currently on show in an exhibition called 'Body Worlds.' This episode begins with the scene of a present day autopsy, watched by medical students. Prof. Roy Porter discusses the early history of surgery and Prof. Harold Ellis shows how the removal of bladder stones would have been done in the 18th century. Dr. Ruth Richardson discusses the history of body snatching and Simon Hillson discusses the secret school of anatomy run by William Hewson in the late 18th century. The programme traces the history of body snatching through the cases of Burke, Hare and Knox and comes up to date with reference to events at Alder Hey Hospital, Liverpool.