Death, Dissection and the Destitute

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The 1832 Anatomy Act shifted the focus of dissection from executed criminals to the impoverished, transforming it into a grim punishment for poverty. This historical exploration reveals the deep fears surrounding pauper funerals among the destitute in the 19th century. Ruth Richardson's work not only delves into the societal implications of this act but also connects historical attitudes towards the body to contemporary issues regarding organ transplants and human tissue research, offering a profound commentary on the value of life and death.