Uncovering The Dissected: Tales of the Dead Who Shaped Anatomy
Schedule
Mon Oct 07 2024 at 06:00 pm
UTC+01:00Location
9A St Thomas Street, SE1 9RY London, United Kingdom | London, EN
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Author and journalist Jackie Dent grew up knowing her grandparents had donated their bodies to an Australian university—a fact she vaguely wondered about but never explored—until a chance encounter sparked her curiosity. In this talk, Jackie takes us on an adventure into the fascinating world of historical and contemporary dissection, as documented in her new book, The Great Dead Body Teachers. While we know the names of renowned surgeons, anatomists, and anatomical artists, who are the individuals—like her grandparents—who were studied in the name of science? The talk delves into the intriguing history of the dissected, including whole body donors and those who never consented. You’ll meet eccentric donors like the 17th century English attorney John Knill, one of the earliest known body donors, and philosopher Jeremy Bentham, who willed his body to be publicly dissected and skeletonised in 1832. The discussion also covers the 19th-century Austrians who answered a mass call for body donations and the high-profile donation and dissection of Indian Marxist politician Jyoti Basu in 2010. These donors laid the groundwork for a tradition that continues to grow. Today’s body donors are a unique and eclectic bunch. While many donate for the advancement of science, their motivations are as varied as their backgrounds. In some families, body donation has become an honorable tradition passed down through generations.
After the talk, why not grab a drink from The Apothecary Bar, maybe a glass of our locally sourced wine or beer?
Get involved in our museum trail activities. Who were the patients at St Thomas’ Hospital? How were leeches used in medicine? This is your chance to find out!
Event Timings:
Doors open: 5:45pm
Talk starts: 6pm
Join us after the talk for an exclusive evening view of the museum until 8:30pm
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Where is it happening?
9A St Thomas Street, SE1 9RY London, United Kingdom, 9a St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9, United Kingdom,London, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
