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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #69283 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/69283)
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-The Project Gutenberg eBook of The necessity of disinterment, under
-existing circumstances, by William Cooke
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and
-most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
-whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
-of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
-www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you
-will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before
-using this eBook.
-
-Title: The necessity of disinterment, under existing circumstances
-
-Author: William Cooke
-
-Release Date: November 1, 2022 [eBook #69283]
-
-Language: English
-
-Produced by: Carol Brown, and The Online Distributed Proofreading Team
- at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images
- generously made available by The Internet Archive)
-
-*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE NECESSITY OF
-DISINTERMENT, UNDER EXISTING CIRCUMSTANCES ***
-
-
-
-
-
-THE
-
-NECESSITY OF DISINTERMENT,
-
-UNDER EXISTING CIRCUMSTANCES.
-
-
-
-
-THE
-
-NECESSITY OF DISINTERMENT,
-
-UNDER EXISTING CIRCUMSTANCES,
-
-BEING
-
-AN APOLOGY, &c.,
-
-IN
-
-A LETTER TO THE MAYOR OF EXETER.
-
-BY
-
-WILLIAM COOKE, SURGEON.
-
-
-“All foreigners express astonishment, when informed, that the teachers
-of Anatomy, in this country, are obliged to depend, for the power of
-communicating this most necessary and important knowledge, upon a
-precarious supply of bodies, which have been suffered to become
-putrid, and afterwards been interred. This is, indeed, a national
-disgrace; and formerly I would not willingly have acknowledged the
-fact of the disinterment of bodies, because it tends to disquiet the
-best feelings of the public. The newspaper writers, however, have so
-blazoned it forth, as to render any attempt to conceal it unavailing.”
-
- MR. ABERNETHY.
-
-
-
-
-LONDON:
-
-PUBLISHED BY SHERWOOD, GILBERT, AND PIPER,
-
-PATERNOSTER-ROW.
-
-MDCCCXXVII.
-
-
-
-
-Mills, Jowett, and Mills, Bolt-court, Fleet-street.
-
-
-
-
-AN APOLOGY, &c.
-
-
-SIR,
-
-Actuated by a respectful deference to the chief magistrate of the city
-of Exeter, I venture to address that individual, who so ably occupies
-the place and station, at the present moment. After the remarks which
-fell from Mr. Justice Park upon the subject of local jurisdiction at
-the late city assize,――remarks which no one in court, and least of all
-yourself, can possibly have forgotten,――there can be no occasion for
-my referring to the subject, for the sake of any explanation of my
-conduct, in procuring the removal of my past cause into an adjoining
-county.
-
-You know, I presume to think, Sir, that it is difficult for men
-even of enlarged minds to divest themselves of opinions once
-formed,――perhaps publicly declared.――Rumour has a thousand tongues,
-and prejudice catches every whisper;――is it fair then, that I, or any
-one else should be tried by a jury who could by any possibility
-prejudge the question? Otherwise, the amount of evidence adduced,
-would be but too frequently a secondary consideration. Jurymen at
-least might come into court with prejudiced minds; and though
-magistrates of talent and character, might, undoubtedly, be very far
-from casting “the trash their own suspicion breeds, into the scale
-they hold,” yet it would be superfluous to inform you, Sir, that the
-mischievous operation of bias and prejudice, need not extend further
-than the jurybox, to annihilate every shadow of fair and impartial
-justice.
-
-I do not conceive any farther explanation necessary, Sir, after the
-forcible remarks of the learned judge to the same effect; and if any
-apology seem to be called for, I beg that it may be considered as
-consisting in that explanation which was so appositely provided.
-
-The objects of this letter, Sir, are various: for, after having
-implored your forbearance, as to the liberty I have taken, in placing
-your distinguished name in its title page, I would, with your
-permission, draw your attention to the circumstances of my late
-prosecution. I would, secondly, apologize for some particulars
-connected with the case. Thirdly, I would venture to attempt a
-demonstration of the necessity and advantages of anatomical pursuits.
-And, fourthly, endeavour to convince you, that something to facilitate
-the acquisition of subjects _ought to be done_, and that something _is
-about to be effected_.
-
-The dead body of a poor woman was taken from a grave; and with such a
-seeming recklessness of consequences, that no steps appeared to have
-been taken to prevent detection, and, I had almost said, less than
-none to shield public and private feelings from the grossest outrage.
-Under such circumstances, was it not the duty of the parish officers
-to search for the body, to re-inter it, and to punish the offenders?
-Certainly; and had that appeared to have been their only aim,――had
-they temperately removed the body, and then indicted me (as it was
-found in my possession) for a _misdemeanor_,――I should not have
-thought of changing the _venue_ of the late trial into the adjoining
-county. But, the desperate proceedings of my prosecutors alarmed me,
-and induced me to resolve, that I would not be tried by men who seemed
-actuated by a sort of fury. Nemesis, or some of the destinies of
-Arimanes, seemed to be employed upon them, and to be working almost as
-monstrous evils, as when they
-
- “From the dull,――
- Do shape out oracles to rule the world.”
-
-I need not inform you, Sir, but I am anxious to explain to the public,
-that _four_ constables were sent to my house, as if some strong
-opposition had been expected, or as if there was reason to apprehend
-murderous proceedings. The body was found, identified, and quietly
-surrendered, and, I believe, there were no particular marks of
-violence upon it. I was conducted to the Guildhall, as I supposed to
-account for my possession of it; and this I was prepared to do. The
-usual proceedings were gone through with no lack of that awful gravity
-which suited with the case, and after the ordinary forms. The body
-lost was found, and that in my possession, so that every thing seemed
-clear and satisfactory, and one would have thought facts enough had
-been substantiated as a foundation for future proceedings. But, it
-occurred to a person present, (_evidently in office_,) that certain
-valuable effects, such as gold rings, and crosses of gold and
-jewellery, together with (it was impossible to say what of) needlework
-and fine linen, might, _very probably_, have been interred with this
-poor woman; and although this _brilliant_ suggestion, I dare say,
-seemed worth very little to the intelligent bench of Magistrates,
-(one, two, or three of whom saw it in its true colours, and smiled
-upon the officious zeal of the officer,) yet as it came from a quarter
-to which they were accustomed to pay respect, they did not think it
-right, I suppose, entirely to overlook it. It was replied to the
-proper question on this important subject, “There is some linen
-missing,” and although it was, or very well might have been, presumed,
-from the silence of the witness, that no treasure had been interred
-with the body, or that it was safe and untouched if it had, yet, (by a
-majority, I suppose,) _it was thought advisable_,――and my indignant
-feelings compel me into seriousness when I relate it,――_to send
-officers a second time to my residence, to search for stolen linen_,
-which must necessarily have been of the most ordinary description and
-utterly valueless, but _upon the finding of which_, some absurdly
-thought, _I might be indicted for felony, and thereupon committed to
-prison_. I am acquainted with those, Sir, who hoped for this result;
-_nay, with one in office, who was heard to express a resolution,
-ready formed, and that before the examination of a single witness,
-that it should be brought about_. I know their names, and may let the
-public know them too. They are deeply enough implicated already, and
-let them beware lest fresh exposures tread upon the heels of their
-precursors. Linen was found and identified, and it was of about
-twopence value. It is true my very ingenious and able Solicitor, Mr.
-Brutton, after some difficulty, succeeded in convincing you of the
-non-existence of any virtual felony, (as was shown by your admitting
-me to bail upon moderate securities,) yet, could no arguments of Mr.
-Brutton, or of a few gentlemen who steadily opposed their rancorous
-proceedings, abate the fury of certain individuals of the Parish of
-St. David. These persons, catching at the hint profoundly thrown out
-in the Chamber, instructed counsel, not only to proceed against me for
-the misdemeanor, (to which, as I had possession of the body sought, I
-would have pleaded guilty immediately,) but to lay an indictment for
-felony also,――an indictment, charging me with a disgraceful and
-heinous offence, which _they knew I never did or thought of doing, and
-which I indignantly throw back on my accusers, one and all,
-collectively and individually_.
-
-Neither need I inform you, Mr. Mayor, who, though yourself a
-parishioner, are, I am sure, as a magistrate, and a gentleman,
-strongly opposed to any such malicious proceedings, that parish
-meetings were called again and again, during divine service, (being
-considered, I suppose, a part of it,) for the purpose of supporting
-this double indictment, the expenses of which, it was even proposed to
-defray by a rate upon the parish! In justice to that parish, however,
-I am bound to admit, that the proceedings of these meetings, both
-originated with and were conducted by obscure individuals. Some of the
-more respectable parishioners were ignorant of the _first_ meeting,
-till its resolutions were made known to them; resolutions to prosecute
-me for a felony, which, but for this _accident_, would never have been
-adopted. This is evidenced by the opposition with which these
-gentlemen met all subsequent proceedings: so that I repeat, it is but
-justice to allow, that, though outvoted continually, the conduct of
-these gentlemen, in the estimation of the liberal minded, will half
-redeem the character of the parish. They will be justified by that
-approval of their exertions which was implied in the conduct of Mr.
-Justice Park, when he declared that he should be very sorry to try
-such an indictment, and gave directions to the jury accordingly: and
-again, by the express declaration of the Court of King’s Bench,
-through Mr. Justice Bayley. But these gentlemen _were_ outvoted, a
-subscription _was_ entered upon, and the originators of this unfounded
-indictment triumphed. But, Sir, was I to be tried by such men for a
-felony? Tried, I say, because it is more than probable, that some of
-those who met to prosecute, would have sat as jurors upon the trial;
-and then, Sir, what could have been effected but a ready-made verdict,
-and the severest punishments. I confess that I trembled under such an
-apprehension, and caught with avidity at the remedy proposed by my
-solicitor, that I should remove the cause into the Court of King’s
-Bench. The matter being thus carried to London, this indictment for
-felony was smiled upon as a jest, or spoken of as a mistake, by most
-persons to whom it was mentioned. In one instance, a mistake indeed,
-and of some consequence, had very nearly arisen from its unusual
-nature. A legal gentleman, perceiving that it was a charge of
-disinterment, and no more expecting an indictment for felony than one
-for high treason, neglected, for some days, to inform me that it was
-necessary I should plead to so serious a matter in person. A general
-exclamation of surprise and merriment attended its relation; except in
-some persons, who conceived it too serious a piece of malice to be met
-in any other way than by indignant deprecation. For my own part, I was
-content: I felt assured of the view which an enlightened judge would
-take of the subject; that he would overrule so ridiculous a complaint,
-as that a medical man, of no bad character, had stolen some old rags
-of a few pence value, for the purpose of using or selling them: and in
-this _intent_ only, as is manifest to common sense, consists the
-essence of felony.
-
-Sir, you are acquainted with the judgment of the Court of King’s
-Bench, as, doubtless, my prosecutors are also. Can I not easily
-imagine, or rather, may I not positively infer, the poignant chagrin
-of those personages, upon finding that I had been more leniently dealt
-with than they had hoped. Will they deny that _imprisonment_ was the
-doom which their best wishes had assigned me; and will they, after six
-months’ persecution, pretend, that there was the slightest leniency in
-their inclinations? Not that I mean to say that my sentence was light:
-much the contrary. I lament it, not only on my own account, but from a
-consideration of the baneful effect which it _may_ have upon those
-numerous and ardent minds, who are either prosecuting, or about to
-prosecute, their important studies. But, _nil desperandum_: nothing,
-Sir, no prejudices, no misguided and self-injuring prosecutors, and
-(pardon me if I say) no magisterial interference, can check the ardour
-of anatomical students, any more than bigotry, pride, or timidity,
-(whichever be the motive of its opponents,) can shut that broad gate,
-which is opening, and will be opened wide, for the diffusion of
-universal knowledge. It is cheering to reflect, that in the very teeth
-of this conviction and sentence, and only a few days subsequent to the
-latter, when it must have been fresh in mind, and doubtless had been
-seriously pondered over both by teacher and pupils, Dr. Birkbeck, in a
-course of Anatomical Lectures which he was then delivering to the
-Mechanics of London, having arrived at the precise point whereat my
-difficulties arose, proposed to his class to exhibit to them the
-muscles upon the recent subject: by which alone, as he explained to
-them, they can be properly shewn. He referred to the prejudices which
-prevail against practical Anatomy, and professing an inclination to
-indulge them, should they be paramount to the general desire of
-knowledge, he promised, rather than disgust his audience, to continue
-his course (in a very imperfect manner certainly, but as well as he
-could) by the aid of plates, diagrams, &c. Dr. B. left it with his
-large audience to determine the point, when they, with an honourable
-unanimity and readiness, accepted the offer of the recent subject,
-with acclamations. The subject was produced in accordance with their
-good resolutions, and the course has proceeded regularly, not only
-without disgust, but with that genuine delight which accompanies
-_perfect_ information. Thus has Dr. Birkbeck accomplished that object
-in the acquisition of which I should have preceded him, (though in a
-very humble manner as to the Lecturer, yet with the proud and pleasing
-advantage of addressing professional, literary and scientific men with
-regard to the audience) but for Yarde’s direct disobedience to very
-plain and positive orders. Dr. B. is a champion of science and
-education, but not such only; he is a true and an enlightened patriot.
-He is teaching his countrymen “the _task of greatness_,” as well as
-“the path of honour;” and, what is perhaps of more moment than either,
-he is teaching them to be happy. “Hæc studia adolescentiam alunt,
-senectutem oblectant, secundas res ornant, adversis perfugium ac
-solatium præbent, delectant domi, non impediunt foris, pernoctant
-nobiscum, peregrinantur, rusticantur. _Quod si ipsi hæc neque
-attingere, neque sensu nostro gustare possemus, tamen ea mirari
-deberemus, etiam cùm in aliis videremus.”_――CICERO.
-
-So much for the prosecution: and having been acquitted as a matter of
-course, of the obnoxious part of the charge, by a _jury of common
-sense_, as I have ever been by those who can appreciate the motives of
-a student of science and the feelings of a gentleman, as well as at
-that bar, which is to every man of honour as tangible and as terrible
-as that of any Guildhall in Europe, the bar of my own conscience;
-having, I say, passed unhurt through that ordeal which my prosecutors
-presented to me, and through that which they ought sometimes to impose
-upon themselves, (on Sundays at least,) I can but say in return, that
-I am equally obliged to those who followed up, and those who
-suggested, that unique indictment. I regret only, that all its details
-were not cited in open court, in order that the deep malignancy, and
-the entire impotency of the originators might have appeared in
-ludicrous opposition, face to face; and that my own name, of so small
-consequence as it is, _per se_, might have borrowed a moment’s lustre
-from its proximity to so black a foil. “Let them digest the venom of
-their spleen,” and beware, lest some harsh-sounding truth teller apply
-to them the lines of the Satirist,
-
- “Compound for sins they are inclin’d to,
- By damning those they have no mind to.”
-
-They will smile at these remarks because they are unsupported by any
-authority. But these gentry _may_ receive a graver and heavier rebuke;
-such as, from its eminent and official source, shall convincingly
-teach them, that to conspire against the future prospects of any man,
-by raking up a groundless charge of felony against him, when his
-character is untainted, and his pursuits _even in the imputed felony_
-are useful and honourable, is _in itself_ so very _contemptible_, and
-yet so _heinous_ an offence _against common society_, as to require a
-_direct rebuke from the Chief Magistrate_, and to deserve that severe
-punishment which would follow an action at law. Give me leave, Sir, to
-request (if, indeed, in acknowledging your authority, I am not rightly
-entitled to demand) that you will, at some convenient opportunity,
-signify to my prosecutors, (whose legal superior and whose
-fellow-parishioner you are) your strong sense of the impropriety of
-their conduct. You cannot be in error, for you are preceded by the
-voice of Mr. Justice Park, and by that of the Court of King’s Bench,
-and you will be echoed by the loud and equitable cry of the public in
-general. Pardon me, Sir, if I press my solicitation upon this point,
-as firmly as courtesy will allow me; probably, however, it needs only
-to be mentioned.――As a man you will be indignant at such shameful
-proceedings, and as a magistrate you will feel it your duty to reprove
-them.
-
-Can there be a gentleman, can there be a scholar, can there be a
-Christian, among my persecutors? Gentlemen scorn dishonourable
-actions, scholars are liberal toward science and the students of it,
-and Christians are just at least, being commanded not to “bear false
-witness against their neighbour.” Can they possibly, can _any learned
-individual_ among them, find texts to justify the accusing a man of a
-disgraceful offence, when he knows that none has been committed? There
-_is_ that, however, which “makes all doctrines plain and clear,” and
-it is the duty of every man to acquire popularity――his interest at
-least――and if his interest, then his duty: because, if it be the duty
-of a citizen to promote the _general_ good, how can he do that in a
-readier way, than by promoting his _own_ good? For, the whole consists
-of parts, and he is, undoubtedly, a part of the whole. Wherefore, by
-consulting his own individual good, regardless of irrelevancies, (for
-such, in this scholastic view of things, honour and honesty must be
-allowed to be,) a man is evidently, and _bona fide_, playing the part
-of a good citizen. This is perfectly clear. It appears an irrefragable
-syllogism, as fair as some of ours in physic, perhaps as some of yours
-in law. For _Divinity_, I have not a word to say about it. I leave it
-(_and the present argument too_) in the pastoral hands of _any Divine
-who may have already busied himself in it_. Is it then, possible, some
-persons may inquire, who are less acquainted with the world and its
-hypocrisy, and with the officers of St. David’s, than you, Sir, must
-necessarily be; is it possible that any Divines have so degraded
-themselves as to have excited or abetted these malicious proceedings?
-Yet, it should be remembered, that a desire of popularity will
-transform the noblest spirits, as, in the fable, it makes a lion pride
-himself upon the accomplishments of an ass. The post of “a
-door-keeper” is little desirable, whatever may be said about it, and
-the sentiment of the Devil has more admirers:
-
- “Better to reign in hell, than serve in heaven.”
-
-Those who have been most active in the late prosecution, cannot have
-felt more real regret, than I have myself experienced. _My_ uneasiness
-(whatever may have been the nature of _theirs_) consisted in a
-participation in the distresses of those persons, whose private
-feelings had been so deeply and (as I fear they supposed) cruelly
-wounded; and in the reflection, that the disgusting subject of human
-disinterment must be again agitated, commented upon, written upon; a
-subject which, of all others, whether relating to a necessity or not,
-ought to be kept profoundly silent, and almost mysteriously secret.
-
-Upon this declaration, I proceed to state, that it is one of my
-objects in the publication of this letter, to make all the reparation
-I am able to the friends of the late Mrs. Taylor; assuring them, that
-I sympathize with them in those distresses, which must have arisen
-from the violence offered to some of the best of feelings, at the same
-time declaring, that the choice made (so far as I know, and as I
-believe) was entirely fortuitous, and by no means intended to affect
-their family particularly. It is my intention, moreover, by this
-letter, to apologize to the public in general, for certain imprudent
-conduct which has led to the late lamentable agitation of the public
-mind. “Nullum numen abest si sit prudentia.” But after this
-acknowledgment I must be permitted to explain myself, and to show
-wherein I allow myself to have acted imprudently. To be fairly
-understood, I must beg permission to say a few words which would
-otherwise be entirely irrelevant. Having it in prospect to settle in
-Devon, (solely from certain notions of its warmth and salubrity,) I
-determined upon Exeter as my place of residence, without any other
-knowledge of it than that possessed by every Englishman; viz. that it
-is a large and important city. It was represented to me as a place of
-enlightened and elegant pursuits, and upon this opinion a
-recommendation was founded, that I should offer to its resident gentry
-a course of Anatomical Lectures. In furtherance of this design, my
-friend, Mr. Wilton Toulmin, the originator of the proposition, held
-out to me the following very important inducement; that he could at
-any time purchase a subject from a certain medical school in London.
-This, from his influence at that school, I did not doubt for a moment.
-After some months I proposed my Lectures, by advertisement and by
-circulars; and having had abundant encouragement, I commenced them in
-October last, before an audience of about forty gentlemen of the
-greatest respectability. After the delivery of about ten Lectures, I
-arrived at the part of my course where it was necessary (as had been
-promised in the circulars) that I should exhibit the muscles upon the
-recent subject, and I made my application to London without the least
-doubt as to the result. After a few days, my friend (who is as zealous
-as persevering, and as able as any agent can possibly be) replied,
-that he had been refused in the most direct manner, and that the fact
-was to him quite inexplicable. He could not conceive the cause of it.
-Persons who were quite familiar to him, and whose business it was to
-act upon these occasions, replied steadily to every application, that
-an injunction had been laid against sending _me_ a subject, and that
-it had been caused by some Exeter person or persons. Is it necessary,
-Sir, that I make any comment upon this manœuvre? It seems as if its
-ingenious author, who did me the honour of so much notice, determined
-to annoy me, and, if possible, defeat my object. To that end, he made
-himself acquainted with the place whence I intended to procure my
-subject, and then found means of spreading such stories as should
-influence its petty officers, box-carriers, beadles, porters, and the
-like, (for the head of that establishment is indignant at the
-transaction, and cordially promised me his protection,) so as to bring
-about that refusal, which (strangely enough) was so very efficacious.
-Having thus succeeded in driving me to the necessity either of
-discontinuing my Lectures, or of authorizing some disinterment upon
-the spot, this _gentleman_ sat silently watching the event. None could
-be more fortunate. The resurrection-man seemed as if he had tacitly
-come into the gentleman’s project; for, having provided me, not with a
-subject only, but with some valueless linen also, to possess which, it
-was thought, would have made my misdemeanor a felony, the former, in
-the most obliging manner, enacted a dexterous and finishing stroke to
-the game thus played by the porters, box-carriers, and gentleman, in
-alliance. The man was paid for his trouble, and it was agreed that he
-should receive a second fee upon this sole and oft-repeated
-condition,――that he returned to the place whence he had procured the
-body, and destroyed every vestige of the transaction:――so, leaving the
-act “uninjurious because unknown.” He promised, he solemnly promised,
-to do this. I had no reason to disbelieve him, and, reflecting upon
-the probable efficacy of his promised reward, I confidently hoped,
-that the feelings of relations and of the public would have suffered
-no injury. What really occurred I need not repeat. The man, I suppose,
-went off in some other direction, without making any effort at doing
-what it was his duty to have done, and (as I at that time conceived)
-that of no other person. Since that affair, however, I can readily
-admit that it would have been prudent, and in every respect proper,
-either personally, or by means of another, to have ascertained that
-the thing was really and decently done and completed. So far as I have
-said, I acknowledge myself to have acted imprudently; and so far,
-therefore, do I apologize to the public, and more particularly to the
-friends of the deceased.
-
-Anatomy, however, must be studied. Is it possible that any one can
-doubt this? I am informed, Sir, that it _is_ possible. But if this be
-true, I am sure the strange opinion must be held by those who never
-employed a thought upon the subject. Give me leave to recommend such
-persons to consult their medical attendants upon the nature and
-consequences of the following diseases,――aneurism, hernia, stone,
-cataract. Let them inquire, further, how they are to be remedied, and
-how frequent they are in their occurrence; and then, and thereafter, I
-pledge myself that their prejudices against dissection of the human
-body will have been lessened, if not overthrown.
-
-“Anatomy,” says Mr. Abernethy in a pamphlet published on the occasion
-of the enlargement of an Anatomical Theatre, under the sanction of the
-Governors of a contiguous Hospital; “Anatomy forms the only basis on
-which the superstructure of medical science can possibly be built. We
-must understand the healthy structure and functions of the various
-organs and parts of the body, or we can never understand the nature of
-their diseases, nor the rational mode of effecting their cure.”
-
-Here is a broad declaration from the highest authority, and comment
-would but weaken its effect. To the great majority of thinking men, it
-will appear as if I were going about to prove that pain was an evil,
-by advancing arguments in proof of the necessity of Anatomy. But I
-have good reasons for believing, that certain persons who talk loudly
-about the horrors of disinterment, are quite unaware of the nature or
-object of that science, which they would consent to sacrifice at the
-shrine of an ill-directed, if even a praiseworthy feeling. Let me ask
-these persons, whether, in the event of a painful and dangerous
-illness occurring to themselves or their families, they would not
-desire the attendance of that medical practitioner whom they believed
-to be skilled in his profession? If any one of them reply to this
-inquiry affirmatively, I beg of that individual to read again the
-sentence which I have just quoted from Mr. Abernethy. Dissection and
-disinterment are _both_ forgotten and forgiven, when agony distorts
-the features of a beloved sufferer, or when death seems to be
-impending over him; and when that science which but for Anatomy (_and
-in the present state of things but for disinterment_) could not exist,
-is ready at hand to relieve from torture, or to snatch from death. On
-the other hand, how numerous are actions against surgeons merely for
-supposed want of skill in treating fractures and other cases, when the
-patient does not acquire that relief which he expects. Suppose I were
-exposed to an action from my prosecutors for ignorance in that science
-which they have just prosecuted me for studying, who would be more
-ready to prosecute than they?
-
-Lest, however, our patients should delicately refrain from seeking
-information of their medical attendants, as supposing that they would
-be unwilling to betray the secrets of their _art and mystery_, let
-them be assured, that necromancy and juggling are not farther removed
-from the _practice_ of medicine and surgery, than are reserve and
-mystery from that _theoretical_ information, which every educated
-practitioner is, at all times, willing to afford. Permit me, Sir, to
-use this opportunity of detailing a case in surgery: a practice which,
-in my opinion, ought more frequently to be resorted to, as a means of
-impressing the public mind with a conviction of the value, _the
-indispensability_, of practical Anatomy.
-
-There is a large artery on each side of the neck conveying blood to
-the head: of so great magnitude is it, that, could the murderer wound
-it by a puncture only, his business would be sufficiently done,
-without any further division. A very small wound of this vessel would
-give vent to so many pounds of blood, in a few seconds, as would cause
-immediate death. Now this artery is subject to a disease called
-Aneurism, wherein its coats yield (perhaps on one side of the vessel)
-so as to form a small pulsating tumour. It is a membranous sac
-containing blood. It communicates with the interior of the artery, so
-that the contents of the tumour are easily squeezed back into the
-artery, whence, upon the removal of the pressure, the blood
-immediately returns into the sac. This tumour, gradually enlarged by
-the continuance of morbid actions, and by the impetus of the
-circulating blood, acquires, perhaps, the size of a large orange. The
-skin is in a constant state of increasing tension, and it finally
-becomes inflamed, and ulcerates, and the tumour bursts. After what was
-said of the size of the artery, I need not dwell upon the certainty of
-immediate death. The remedy consists in exposing the vessel between
-the diseased portion and the heart, (_i. e._ in the neck,) and closing
-it by applying a ligature upon it. This operation well performed, and
-under favourable circumstances, effects a perfect cure. But it is
-dreadful for any man to attempt it, (and there are many operations
-much more difficult,) without the most exact anatomical knowledge. It
-were far better that he allowed his patient to die _secundum naturam_,
-than that he presumed to hasten his death, by destroying him _secundum
-artem_. And, better were it many times over, that he experimented upon
-his own, than upon the throats of his unfortunate patients. Does he
-know the exact situation of the artery relatively to the deep parts
-about it? Does he know by what parts it is covered? Then let him
-proceed to expose it. It is surrounded by parts vitally important. It
-is in close contact with a great vein which partially overlaps it, and
-which is in continual motion. Should he wound this vein ever so
-slightly, the probability is that the operation is fatal; and yet, he
-has to separate it from the artery, and this at the bottom of a wound
-which is covered with blood. Important nerves environ the artery, and
-to include one of them in the ligature with it, would be as certainly
-fatal as to injure the vein. Suppose a dexterous man and an anatomist
-to be the operator: he leaves these important parts uninjured, because
-he knows their situation, and that of all the parts concerned; also,
-because he is calm and collected, from a consciousness of his own
-resources. He exposes a portion of the artery, he conveys a ligature
-around it, and his patient is safe. Suppose, again, that the operator,
-from a delicate sentimentality, has held disinterment to outweigh, in
-horror, any good that can arise from it, and has neglected to study
-Anatomy, lest he should encourage this “disgusting traffic.” Imagine
-this philosopher encountering these difficulties at the bottom of a
-bleeding wound. He cannot find the vessel at all, perhaps, before he
-has divided it, and a fatal gush of blood informs him of the result of
-his temerity. Or, he opens the vein, he divides some of the nerves, or
-he ties them up with the artery. It is all the same. He might as well
-have laid open the original tumour, and thus have killed the patient
-at once.
-
-That man’s prejudices against Anatomy, Mr. Mayor, _and even against
-disinterment_, must be rooted indeed, who, in the face of such facts
-as these, would still oppose himself against some slight sacrifice of
-feeling, to secure such important advantages as anatomical knowledge
-has been seen to confer. But, Sir, _the law requires of medical men
-that they be Anatomists_. It is illegal to commence practice before
-obtaining the certificate of the Society of Apothecaries; and the
-candidate for this necessary credential is required to bring proofs of
-his having attended anatomical lectures, and is then examined as to
-his knowledge of Anatomy. Mark, therefore, Sir, I beseech you, the
-dilemma in which we stand. _It is illegal to obey the laws._ I would
-humbly hope, that a thorough investigation of the real state of
-things, may incline you, in any future transactions of this kind, to
-view them with that leniency which gentlemen will always feel inclined
-to extend toward scientific objects, and which has been ever held to
-be consistent with, if not the most ennobling quality of, Justice.
-
-And here let me pointedly assert, what is also, I understand, doubted
-by many, viz. that actual dissection of the human body is essential to
-any available anatomical knowledge. It is one of the terse remarks of
-the eminent anatomist whom I have before quoted, in reply to the
-vulgar complaint that the dead are “mangled” by Surgeons, “_Either the
-dead or the living must be mangled_:”――but, I believe, after what has
-been said before upon the connexion between Anatomy and Surgery, that
-it is needless to enlarge upon this point. It must be plain that books
-and plates cannot qualify a man to remove a stone from his neighbour’s
-bladder, or to lay open the fore part of his friend’s eye, and
-therefore I refrain from touching upon the subject.
-
-Next comes the important question, How are subjects to be obtained?
-Disinterment, it is now well known, affords by far the greater number
-of those used in the schools. But, surely, it is a little hard upon
-the profession, not only to deny to them any fair and agreeable means
-of procuring subjects, but after compelling them to converse with the
-most equivocal characters that they may procure what is absolutely
-necessary to them, to denounce their dealings with such men as
-criminal and felonious. If there had been any complaint, it might,
-most rationally, have been expected from us, pioneers levelling the
-path of life: who, while expected to be ever ready to assist our
-masters, whensoever their necessities require our interference, are
-unprovided with the principal instrument required in the work. Nay
-more, when we exert _ourselves_, and procure it in the best way we
-can, in a state scarcely fit for handling, the implement being utterly
-useless for any other purpose, we are rewarded with complaints and
-abuse. Would this were all: we are prosecuted. (_Once, we were,
-facetiously enough, indicted for a felony upon this score; but it need
-not be feared a second time: for the wit of the proceeding not
-happening immediately to appear, this merry conceit assumed too much
-the tone of malice aforethought, to render the jest expedient in
-future._) But, something ought to be done to relieve the medical
-profession from the disgusting necessities under which it is placed.
-Criminals whose bodies are sentenced to dissection, afford, happily, a
-very inadequate supply. Instances of persons bequeathing their remains
-for the purposes of science are very rare. An eminent example,
-however, of that kind of liberality occurred lately in the metropolis,
-and the donor was of the Medical Profession. It has been said, Why do
-not Surgeons _generally_ set an example of such devotedness to
-science? There is no justice in such a demand. As well might it be
-required of the clergyman, whose duty it is to compose and direct
-toward heaven the last thoughts of a dying criminal, that he should
-precede or accompany him thither. It is not under the influence of my
-own feelings that I deny the fairness of such a demand, but for the
-reasons I have stated: for might I hope to bring about a practice,
-which I acknowledge to be desirable, while I deny its incumbency, I
-would, with the utmost pleasure, put my hand to such a testament
-immediately. The gentleman referred to, desired that his body might be
-conveyed to a medical school for the benefit of the students, and
-having been satisfactorily examined, that it should be returned to his
-friends for interment. Such a laudable practice as this, need not be
-confined to surgeons: the public are at least _equally_ interested in
-it; and most sincerely do I hope, that this eminent example may not
-want followers, either in or out of the profession. One of this
-gentleman’s declared objects was to recommend such a practice, and it
-has every thing noble and useful to recommend it.
-
-But “they manage these things better in France.” Every dead body which
-has lain for inspection a certain time, and is unclaimed, is sent to
-one or other of the schools of Anatomy, whence it is returned after
-proper examination enveloped in matting and ready for interment. This
-is an ancient custom in Paris, and a very important one. A subject is,
-by means of it, to be obtained for about five or six francs, and
-students are enabled to dissect with greater perseverance than in this
-country, where no subject is to be obtained for less than ten or
-twelve guineas. “There are unhappily,” says Mr. Abernethy, “in this,
-as well as in other countries, numbers who die without friends or
-relatives to mourn their loss. If then the superintendents of prisons,
-poor-houses, and eleemosynary establishments, would but consent that
-the remains of those who die in such circumstances and are unclaimed,
-should be made the subjects of anatomical instruction, we should be
-put upon the same footing as other nations, and the obnoxious offence
-of disinterring the dead, would be no longer necessary, or committed.”
-Here would be no injury to the feelings of any person; for the word
-“_dissection_,” “_examination_” should be substituted; and it should
-be fully understood, that the corpse would be subsequently and
-decently buried. Ought not the bodies of many suicides to be so
-examined, and would not such a law lessen the frequency of those
-horrible occurrences? It is proposed above, to ask the _consent of_
-the superintendents of hospitals, &c.; but I believe, nothing less
-than a legal enactment, will relieve the profession and the public
-generally, from this constant source of annoyance. You are probably
-aware, Sir, that Mr. Peel has given notice of his intention to propose
-a bill to facilitate the acquisition of subjects. In what precise
-manner it is his intention to proceed in this untrodden path, it is
-impossible to presume. But proceed he most certainly will; and if ever
-good were to be augured from an enlightened, liberal-minded, talented
-senate, now is a time when we may look forward with sanguine
-expectation. Mr. Peel is well known to entertain the most liberal
-views upon the subject, and it would be strange indeed, if a gentleman
-so distinguished, so much a scholar, and so much a patriot, should,
-amid numerous wise enactments, overlook those serious obstacles, which
-prejudice, ignorance, and vulgarity throw in the way of medical and
-surgical science. Upon these hopes I would congratulate the
-profession, and their patients no less, as upon a promise of a very
-important good. Mr. Peel, I am convinced, will never fail us, if the
-good sense of the country do but second his endeavours. For himself,
-at least, he will earn the meed of true greatness. “Homines enim ad
-Deos nulla re proprius accedunt, quam salutem hominibus dando.”
-
-I believe, Sir, it is needless that I trouble you with any more
-observations. Should the foregoing be a cause of uneasiness to any
-person who peruses them, my whole justification lies in this, that
-there is not one which I have not felt myself bound to submit. For
-yourself, Mr. Mayor, men of eminent ability will, certainly, be
-compelled by their less gifted fellow citizens, to assume high and
-responsible situations: and dazzling as their elevation may be to the
-vulgar eye, we are assured that the cares and toils of office, are
-ever in proportion to its dignity and importance. None can be supposed
-to enjoy distinction and honour unqualified and unmixed. Of course,
-_we_ hold in especial veneration the name of Mayor, connected as it is
-with so many grand and sublime associations. We consider, not the
-extent of his authority alone, but those high moral and intellectual
-qualifications, which are presumed to be inherent in one whose arduous
-office it is to fill the Corporation Chair, and dignify the civic
-pageant. To such an officer, and actuated by such feelings, have _I_
-betaken myself in my wronged and calumniated situation.
-
-The adjudication of the past misdemeanor, but for the reasons which
-have been stated, would have been heard from you, and doubtless you
-would have inflicted some temperate punishment. You would have replied
-to any proposer of partiality, _I will do my duty, in spite of threats
-or entreaties_――and most honourable would your answer have been. Now,
-Sir, I myself have to perform, though an humbler, yet, a piece of duty
-equally imperative, if not equally important. While I profess to
-practice medicine and surgery it is my duty to study Anatomy, and I
-may reply with you, I will do _my_ duty in spite of threats or of
-obstacles. Nay, I shall be frank enough to go a little further, and
-declare unequivocally, that I will study Practical Anatomy as long as
-I have life, and will give all possible assistance to any persons who
-are following the same pursuit.
-
- I am, Mr. Mayor,
-
- Your very humble servant,
-
- WM. COOKE.
-
-
-
-
-Printed by Mills, Jowett, and Mills, Bolt-court, Fleet-street.
-
-
-
-
-Transcriber’s Note
-
-This book was written in a period when many words had not become
-standardized in their spelling. Words may have multiple spelling
-variations or inconsistent hyphenation in the text. These have been
-left unchanged. Misspelled words were not corrected. Words and phrases
-in italics are surrounded by underscores, _like this_.
-
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-<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The necessity of disinterment, under existing circumstances, by William Cooke</p>
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-<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The necessity of disinterment, under existing circumstances</p>
-<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: William Cooke</p>
-<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: November 1, 2022 [eBook #69283]</p>
-<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p>
- <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: Carol Brown, and The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)</p>
-<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE NECESSITY OF DISINTERMENT, UNDER EXISTING CIRCUMSTANCES ***</div>
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<p class="p4 center">THE</p>
-
-<h1 class="h1head">NECESSITY OF DISINTERMENT,</h1>
-
-<p class="center">UNDER EXISTING CIRCUMSTANCES.</p>
-</div><!--end chapter-->
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<p class="p4 center">THE</p>
-
-<h2 class="h1head">NECESSITY OF DISINTERMENT,</h2>
-
-<p class="center">UNDER EXISTING CIRCUMSTANCES.</p>
-
-<p class="center small">BEING</p>
-
-<p class="center larger"><span class="ls">AN APOLOGY</span>, <abbr title="et cetera">&amp;c.</abbr>,</p>
-
-<p class="center small">IN</p>
-
-<p class="center">A LETTER TO THE MAYOR OF EXETER.</p>
-
-<p class="p2 center small">BY</p>
-
-<h2 class="h2head">WILLIAM COOKE, <span class="sc">Surgeon</span>.</h2>
-
-<hr class="medium" />
-
-<p class="small">“All foreigners express astonishment, when informed, that the teachers of Anatomy,
-in this country, are obliged to depend, for the power of communicating this most necessary
-and important knowledge, upon a precarious supply of bodies, which have been
-suffered to become putrid, and afterwards been interred. This is, indeed, a national disgrace;
-and formerly I would not willingly have acknowledged the fact of the disinterment
-of bodies, because it tends to disquiet the best feelings of the public. The newspaper
-writers, however, have so blazoned it forth, as to render any attempt to conceal it
-unavailing.”</p>
-<p class="p0 quotesig"><span class="sc">Mr. Abernethy.</span></p>
-
-<hr class="medium" />
-
-<p class="center ls">LONDON:</p>
-
-<p class="center">PUBLISHED BY SHERWOOD, GILBERT, AND PIPER,</p>
-<p class="center small">PATERNOSTER-ROW.</p>
-
-<hr class="short" />
-<p class="center sc lowercase">MDCCCXXVII.</p>
-
-<hr class="p4 unindent left" />
-<p class="unindent smaller">Mills, Jowett, and Mills, Bolt-court, Fleet-street.</p>
-</div><!--end chapter-->
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<p class="center">AN APOLOGY, <abbr title="et cetera">&amp;c.</abbr></p>
-<hr class="veryshort" />
-
-<p>SIR,</p>
-
-<p class="p2">Actuated by a respectful deference to the chief
-magistrate of the city of Exeter, I venture to address
-that individual, who so ably occupies the
-place and station, at the present moment. After
-the remarks which fell from Mr. Justice Park
-upon the subject of local jurisdiction at the late
-city assize,&mdash;remarks which no one in court, and
-least of all yourself, can possibly have forgotten,&mdash;there
-can be no occasion for my referring to the
-subject, for the sake of any explanation of my
-conduct, in procuring the removal of my past
-cause into an adjoining county.</p>
-
-<p>You know, I presume to think, Sir, that it is
-difficult for men even of enlarged minds to divest
-themselves of opinions once formed,&mdash;perhaps
-publicly declared.&mdash;Rumour has a thousand
-tongues, and prejudice catches every whisper;&mdash;is
-it fair then, that I, or any one else should be
-tried by a jury who could by any possibility prejudge
-the question? Otherwise, the amount of
-evidence adduced, would be but too frequently a
-secondary consideration. Jurymen at least might
-come into court with prejudiced minds; and
-though magistrates of talent and character, might,
-undoubtedly, be very far from casting “the trash
-their own suspicion breeds, into the scale they
-hold,” yet it would be superfluous to inform you,
-Sir, that the mischievous operation of bias and
-prejudice, need not extend further than the jurybox,
-to annihilate every shadow of fair and impartial
-justice.</p>
-
-<p>I do not conceive any farther explanation necessary,
-Sir, after the forcible remarks of the
-learned judge to the same effect; and if any apology
-seem to be called for, I beg that it may be
-considered as consisting in that explanation which
-was so appositely provided.</p>
-
-<p>The objects of this letter, Sir, are various: for,
-after having implored your forbearance, as to the
-liberty I have taken, in placing your distinguished
-name in its title page, I would, with your permission,
-draw your attention to the circumstances of
-my late prosecution. I would, secondly, apologize
-for some particulars connected with the
-case. Thirdly, I would venture to attempt a demonstration
-of the necessity and advantages of
-anatomical pursuits. And, fourthly, endeavour to
-convince you, that something to facilitate the
-acquisition of subjects <em>ought to be done</em>, and that
-something <em>is about to be effected</em>.</p>
-
-<p>The dead body of a poor woman was taken
-from a grave; and with such a seeming recklessness
-of consequences, that no steps appeared
-to have been taken to prevent detection, and, I
-had almost said, less than none to shield public and
-private feelings from the grossest outrage. Under
-such circumstances, was it not the duty of the parish
-officers to search for the body, to re-inter it, and
-to punish the offenders? Certainly; and had that
-appeared to have been their only aim,&mdash;had they
-temperately removed the body, and then indicted
-me (as it was found in my possession) for a <em>misdemeanor</em>,&mdash;I
-should not have thought of changing
-the <em>venue</em> of the late trial into the adjoining
-county. But, the desperate proceedings of my
-prosecutors alarmed me, and induced me to resolve,
-that I would not be tried by men who
-seemed actuated by a sort of fury. Nemesis, or
-some of the destinies of Arimanes, seemed to be
-employed upon them, and to be working almost
-as monstrous evils, as when they</p>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="i6">“From the dull,&mdash;</div>
-<div class="i1">Do shape out oracles to rule the world.”</div>
-</div><!--end poem-->
-</div><!--end container-->
-
-<p>I need not inform you, Sir, but I am anxious
-to explain to the public, that <em>four</em> constables were
-sent to my house, as if some strong opposition
-had been expected, or as if there was reason to
-apprehend murderous proceedings. The body
-was found, identified, and quietly surrendered,
-and, I believe, there were no particular marks of
-violence upon it. I was conducted to the Guildhall,
-as I supposed to account for my possession
-of it; and this I was prepared to do. The usual
-proceedings were gone through with no lack of
-that awful gravity which suited with the case,
-and after the ordinary forms. The body lost was
-found, and that in my possession, so that every
-thing seemed clear and satisfactory, and one would
-have thought facts enough had been substantiated
-as a foundation for future proceedings. But, it
-occurred to a person present, (<em>evidently in office</em>,)
-that certain valuable effects, such as gold rings,
-and crosses of gold and jewellery, together with
-(it was impossible to say what of) needlework and
-fine linen, might, <em>very probably</em>, have been interred
-with this poor woman; and although this
-<em>brilliant</em> suggestion, I dare say, seemed worth very
-little to the intelligent bench of Magistrates, (one,
-two, or three of whom saw it in its true colours,
-and smiled upon the officious zeal of the officer,)
-yet as it came from a quarter to which they were
-accustomed to pay respect, they did not think it
-right, I suppose, entirely to overlook it. It was
-replied to the proper question on this important
-subject, “There is some linen missing,” and
-although it was, or very well might have been,
-presumed, from the silence of the witness, that no
-treasure had been interred with the body, or that
-it was safe and untouched if it had, yet, (by a
-majority, I suppose,) <em>it was thought advisable</em>,&mdash;and
-my indignant feelings compel me into seriousness
-when I relate it,&mdash;<em>to send officers a second
-time to my residence, to search for stolen linen</em>,
-which must necessarily have been of the most
-ordinary description and utterly valueless, but
-<em>upon the finding of which</em>, some absurdly thought,
-<em>I might be indicted for felony, and thereupon committed
-to prison</em>. I am acquainted with those, Sir,
-who hoped for this result; <em>nay, with one in office,
-who was heard to express a resolution, ready
-formed, and that before the examination of a
-single witness, that it should be brought about</em>. I
-know their names, and may let the public know
-them too. They are deeply enough implicated
-already, and let them beware lest fresh exposures
-tread upon the heels of their precursors. Linen
-was found and identified, and it was of about twopence
-value. It is true my very ingenious and
-able Solicitor, Mr. Brutton, after some difficulty,
-succeeded in convincing you of the non-existence
-of any virtual felony, (as was shown by your admitting
-me to bail upon moderate securities,) yet,
-could no arguments of Mr. Brutton, or of a few
-gentlemen who steadily opposed their rancorous
-proceedings, abate the fury of certain individuals
-of the Parish of St. David. These persons, catching
-at the hint profoundly thrown out in the
-Chamber, instructed counsel, not only to proceed
-against me for the misdemeanor, (to which, as I
-had possession of the body sought, I would have
-pleaded guilty immediately,) but to lay an indictment
-for felony also,&mdash;an indictment, charging me
-with a disgraceful and heinous offence, which <em>they
-knew I never did or thought of doing, and which I
-indignantly throw back on my accusers, one and all,
-collectively and individually</em>.</p>
-
-<p>Neither need I inform you, Mr. Mayor, who,
-though yourself a parishioner, are, I am sure, as a
-magistrate, and a gentleman, strongly opposed to
-any such malicious proceedings, that parish meetings
-were called again and again, during divine
-service, (being considered, I suppose, a part of it,)
-for the purpose of supporting this double indictment,
-the expenses of which, it was even proposed
-to defray by a rate upon the parish! In justice to
-that parish, however, I am bound to admit, that
-the proceedings of these meetings, both originated
-with and were conducted by obscure individuals.
-Some of the more respectable parishioners were
-ignorant of the <em>first</em> meeting, till its resolutions
-were made known to them; resolutions to prosecute
-me for a felony, which, but for this <em>accident</em>,
-would never have been adopted. This is evidenced
-by the opposition with which these gentlemen
-met all subsequent proceedings: so that I repeat,
-it is but justice to allow, that, though outvoted
-continually, the conduct of these gentlemen, in the
-estimation of the liberal minded, will half redeem
-the character of the parish. They will be justified
-by that approval of their exertions which was implied
-in the conduct of Mr. Justice Park, when
-he declared that he should be very sorry to try
-such an indictment, and gave directions to the
-jury accordingly: and again, by the express declaration
-of the Court of King’s Bench, through
-Mr. Justice Bayley. But these gentlemen <em>were</em>
-outvoted, a subscription <em>was</em> entered upon, and
-the originators of this unfounded indictment
-triumphed. But, Sir, was I to be tried by such
-men for a felony? Tried, I say, because it is more
-than probable, that some of those who met to
-prosecute, would have sat as jurors upon the trial;
-and then, Sir, what could have been effected but
-a ready-made verdict, and the severest punishments.
-I confess that I trembled under such an
-apprehension, and caught with avidity at the
-remedy proposed by my solicitor, that I should
-remove the cause into the Court of King’s Bench.
-The matter being thus carried to London, this indictment
-for felony was smiled upon as a jest, or
-spoken of as a mistake, by most persons to whom
-it was mentioned. In one instance, a mistake
-indeed, and of some consequence, had very nearly
-arisen from its unusual nature. A legal gentleman,
-perceiving that it was a charge of disinterment,
-and no more expecting an indictment for
-felony than one for high treason, neglected, for
-some days, to inform me that it was necessary I
-should plead to so serious a matter in person. A
-general exclamation of surprise and merriment
-attended its relation; except in some persons,
-who conceived it too serious a piece of malice to
-be met in any other way than by indignant deprecation.
-For my own part, I was content: I
-felt assured of the view which an enlightened judge
-would take of the subject; that he would overrule
-so ridiculous a complaint, as that a medical
-man, of no bad character, had stolen some old
-rags of a few pence value, for the purpose of using
-or selling them: and in this <em>intent</em> only, as is
-manifest to common sense, consists the essence
-of felony.</p>
-
-<p>Sir, you are acquainted with the judgment of
-the Court of King’s Bench, as, doubtless, my prosecutors
-are also. Can I not easily imagine, or
-rather, may I not positively infer, the poignant
-chagrin of those personages, upon finding that
-I had been more leniently dealt with than they
-had hoped. Will they deny that <em>imprisonment</em>
-was the doom which their best wishes had assigned
-me; and will they, after six months’ persecution,
-pretend, that there was the slightest leniency
-in their inclinations? Not that I mean to
-say that my sentence was light: much the contrary.
-I lament it, not only on my own account,
-but from a consideration of the baneful effect
-which it <em>may</em> have upon those numerous and
-ardent minds, who are either prosecuting, or about
-to prosecute, their important studies. But, <em lang="la" xml:lang="la">nil
-desperandum</em>: nothing, Sir, no prejudices, no
-misguided and self-injuring prosecutors, and
-(pardon me if I say) no magisterial interference,
-can check the ardour of anatomical students, any
-more than bigotry, pride, or timidity, (whichever
-be the motive of its opponents,) can shut that
-broad gate, which is opening, and will be opened
-wide, for the diffusion of universal knowledge.
-It is cheering to reflect, that in the very teeth
-of this conviction and sentence, and only a few
-days subsequent to the latter, when it must have
-been fresh in mind, and doubtless had been seriously
-pondered over both by teacher and pupils,
-Dr. Birkbeck, in a course of Anatomical Lectures
-which he was then delivering to the Mechanics
-of London, having arrived at the precise point
-whereat my difficulties arose, proposed to his
-class to exhibit to them the muscles upon the recent
-subject: by which alone, as he explained to
-them, they can be properly shewn. He referred
-to the prejudices which prevail against practical
-Anatomy, and professing an inclination to indulge
-them, should they be paramount to the general
-desire of knowledge, he promised, rather than
-disgust his audience, to continue his course (in a
-very imperfect manner certainly, but as well as
-he could) by the aid of plates, diagrams, <abbr title="et cetera">&amp;c.</abbr>
-Dr. B. left it with his large audience to determine
-the point, when they, with an honourable unanimity
-and readiness, accepted the offer of the
-recent subject, with acclamations. The subject
-was produced in accordance with their good resolutions,
-and the course has proceeded regularly,
-not only without disgust, but with that genuine
-delight which accompanies <em>perfect</em> information.
-Thus has Dr. Birkbeck accomplished that object
-in the acquisition of which I should have preceded
-him, (though in a very humble manner as to the
-Lecturer, yet with the proud and pleasing advantage
-of addressing professional, literary and scientific
-men with regard to the audience) but for
-Yarde’s direct disobedience to very plain and
-positive orders. Dr. B. is a champion of science
-and education, but not such only; he is a true
-and an enlightened patriot. He is teaching his
-countrymen “the <em>task of greatness</em>,” as well as
-“the path of honour;” and, what is perhaps of
-more moment than either, he is teaching them to
-be happy. “Hæc studia adolescentiam alunt,
-senectutem oblectant, secundas res ornant, adversis
-perfugium ac solatium præbent, delectant
-domi, non impediunt foris, pernoctant nobiscum,
-peregrinantur, rusticantur. <cite lang="la" xml:lang="la">Quod si ipsi hæc
-neque attingere, neque sensu nostro gustare possemus,
-tamen ea mirari deberemus, etiam cùm in
-aliis videremus.”</cite>&mdash;<span class="sc">Cicero.</span></p>
-
-<p>So much for the prosecution: and having been
-acquitted as a matter of course, of the obnoxious
-part of the charge, by a <em>jury of common sense</em>, as I
-have ever been by those who can appreciate the
-motives of a student of science and the feelings
-of a gentleman, as well as at that bar, which is to
-every man of honour as tangible and as terrible as
-that of any Guildhall in Europe, the bar of my
-own conscience; having, I say, passed unhurt
-through that ordeal which my prosecutors presented
-to me, and through that which they ought
-sometimes to impose upon themselves, (on Sundays
-at least,) I can but say in return, that I am
-equally obliged to those who followed up, and
-those who suggested, that unique indictment. I
-regret only, that all its details were not cited in
-open court, in order that the deep malignancy,
-and the entire impotency of the originators might
-have appeared in ludicrous opposition, face to
-face; and that my own name, of so small consequence
-as it is, <em>per se</em>, might have borrowed a
-moment’s lustre from its proximity to so black a
-foil. “Let them digest the venom of their
-spleen,” and beware, lest some harsh-sounding
-truth teller apply to them the lines of the Satirist,</p>
-
-<div class="poem-container">
-<div class="poem">
-<div class="i1a">“Compound for sins they are inclin’d to,</div>
-<div class="i1">By damning those they have no mind to.”</div>
-</div><!--end poem-->
-</div><!--end container-->
-
-<p>They will smile at these remarks because they
-are unsupported by any authority. But these
-gentry <em>may</em> receive a graver and heavier rebuke;
-such as, from its eminent and official source, shall
-convincingly teach them, that to conspire against
-the future prospects of any man, by raking up a
-groundless charge of felony against him, when his
-character is untainted, and his pursuits <em>even in the
-imputed felony</em> are useful and honourable, is <em>in
-itself</em> so very <em>contemptible</em>, and yet so <em>heinous</em> an
-offence <em>against common society</em>, as to require a
-<em>direct rebuke from the Chief Magistrate</em>, and to
-deserve that severe punishment which would
-follow an action at law. Give me leave, Sir, to
-request (if, indeed, in acknowledging your authority,
-I am not rightly entitled to demand) that you
-will, at some convenient opportunity, signify to
-my prosecutors, (whose legal superior and whose
-fellow-parishioner you are) your strong sense of
-the impropriety of their conduct. You cannot
-be in error, for you are preceded by the voice of
-Mr. Justice Park, and by that of the Court of
-King’s Bench, and you will be echoed by the
-loud and equitable cry of the public in general.
-Pardon me, Sir, if I press my solicitation upon
-this point, as firmly as courtesy will allow me;
-probably, however, it needs only to be mentioned.&mdash;As
-a man you will be indignant at such
-shameful proceedings, and as a magistrate you
-will feel it your duty to reprove them.</p>
-
-<p>Can there be a gentleman, can there be a
-scholar, can there be a Christian, among my persecutors?
-Gentlemen scorn dishonourable actions,
-scholars are liberal toward science and the students
-of it, and Christians are just at least, being commanded
-not to “bear false witness against their
-neighbour.” Can they possibly, can <em>any learned
-individual</em> among them, find texts to justify the
-accusing a man of a disgraceful offence, when he
-knows that none has been committed? There <em>is</em>
-that, however, which “makes all doctrines plain
-and clear,” and it is the duty of every man to acquire
-popularity&mdash;his interest at least&mdash;and if his
-interest, then his duty: because, if it be the duty
-of a citizen to promote the <em>general</em> good, how can
-he do that in a readier way, than by promoting
-his <em>own</em> good? For, the whole consists of parts,
-and he is, undoubtedly, a part of the whole.
-Wherefore, by consulting his own individual good,
-regardless of irrelevancies, (for such, in this
-scholastic view of things, honour and honesty
-must be allowed to be,) a man is evidently, and
-<em>bona fide</em>, playing the part of a good citizen. This
-is perfectly clear. It appears an irrefragable syllogism,
-as fair as some of ours in physic, perhaps
-as some of yours in law. For <em>Divinity</em>, I have not
-a word to say about it. I leave it (<em>and the present
-argument too</em>) in the pastoral hands of <em>any Divine
-who may have already busied himself in it</em>. Is it
-then, possible, some persons may inquire, who
-are less acquainted with the world and its
-hypocrisy, and with the officers of St. David’s,
-than you, Sir, must necessarily be; is it possible
-that any Divines have so degraded themselves as
-to have excited or abetted these malicious proceedings?
-Yet, it should be remembered, that a
-desire of popularity will transform the noblest
-spirits, as, in the fable, it makes a lion pride himself
-upon the accomplishments of an ass. The
-post of “a door-keeper” is little desirable, whatever
-may be said about it, and the sentiment of the
-Devil has more admirers:</p>
-
-<p class="center">“Better to reign in hell, than serve in heaven.”</p>
-
-<p>Those who have been most active in the late
-prosecution, cannot have felt more real regret,
-than I have myself experienced. <em>My</em> uneasiness
-(whatever may have been the nature of <em>theirs</em>)
-consisted in a participation in the distresses of
-those persons, whose private feelings had been so
-deeply and (as I fear they supposed) cruelly
-wounded; and in the reflection, that the disgusting
-subject of human disinterment must be
-again agitated, commented upon, written upon;
-a subject which, of all others, whether relating to
-a necessity or not, ought to be kept profoundly
-silent, and almost mysteriously secret.</p>
-
-<p>Upon this declaration, I proceed to state, that
-it is one of my objects in the publication of this
-letter, to make all the reparation I am able to the
-friends of the late Mrs. Taylor; assuring them,
-that I sympathize with them in those distresses,
-which must have arisen from the violence offered
-to some of the best of feelings, at the same time
-declaring, that the choice made (so far as I know,
-and as I believe) was entirely fortuitous, and by
-no means intended to affect their family particularly.
-It is my intention, moreover, by this letter,
-to apologize to the public in general, for certain
-imprudent conduct which has led to the late lamentable
-agitation of the public mind. “Nullum
-numen abest si sit prudentia.” But after this
-acknowledgment I must be permitted to explain
-myself, and to show wherein I allow myself to
-have acted imprudently. To be fairly understood,
-I must beg permission to say a few words which
-would otherwise be entirely irrelevant. Having
-it in prospect to settle in Devon, (solely from certain
-notions of its warmth and salubrity,) I determined
-upon Exeter as my place of residence, without
-any other knowledge of it than that possessed
-by every Englishman; viz. that it is a large and
-important city. It was represented to me as
-a place of enlightened and elegant pursuits, and
-upon this opinion a recommendation was founded,
-that I should offer to its resident gentry a course of
-Anatomical Lectures. In furtherance of this design,
-my friend, Mr. Wilton Toulmin, the originator
-of the proposition, held out to me the following
-very important inducement; that he could
-at any time purchase a subject from a certain medical
-school in London. This, from his influence
-at that school, I did not doubt for a moment.
-After some months I proposed my Lectures, by
-advertisement and by circulars; and having had
-abundant encouragement, I commenced them in
-October last, before an audience of about forty
-gentlemen of the greatest respectability. After
-the delivery of about ten Lectures, I arrived at the
-part of my course where it was necessary (as had
-been promised in the circulars) that I should exhibit
-the muscles upon the recent subject, and I
-made my application to London without the least
-doubt as to the result. After a few days, my
-friend (who is as zealous as persevering, and as
-able as any agent can possibly be) replied, that
-he had been refused in the most direct manner,
-and that the fact was to him quite inexplicable.
-He could not conceive the cause of it. Persons
-who were quite familiar to him, and whose business
-it was to act upon these occasions, replied
-steadily to every application, that an injunction
-had been laid against sending <em>me</em> a subject, and
-that it had been caused by some Exeter person
-or persons. Is it necessary, Sir, that I make any
-comment upon this manœuvre? It seems as if its
-ingenious author, who did me the honour of so
-much notice, determined to annoy me, and, if possible,
-defeat my object. To that end, he made
-himself acquainted with the place whence I intended
-to procure my subject, and then found
-means of spreading such stories as should influence
-its petty officers, box-carriers, beadles,
-porters, and the like, (for the head of that establishment
-is indignant at the transaction, and
-cordially promised me his protection,) so as to
-bring about that refusal, which (strangely enough)
-was so very efficacious. Having thus succeeded
-in driving me to the necessity either of discontinuing
-my Lectures, or of authorizing some disinterment
-upon the spot, this <em>gentleman</em> sat silently
-watching the event. None could be more
-fortunate. The resurrection-man seemed as if he
-had tacitly come into the gentleman’s project;
-for, having provided me, not with a subject only,
-but with some valueless linen also, to possess
-which, it was thought, would have made my misdemeanor
-a felony, the former, in the most
-obliging manner, enacted a dexterous and finishing
-stroke to the game thus played by the
-porters, box-carriers, and gentleman, in alliance.
-The man was paid for his trouble, and it was
-agreed that he should receive a second fee upon
-this sole and oft-repeated condition,&mdash;that he
-returned to the place whence he had procured the
-body, and destroyed every vestige of the transaction:&mdash;so,
-leaving the act “uninjurious because
-unknown.” He promised, he solemnly promised,
-to do this. I had no reason to disbelieve him, and,
-reflecting upon the probable efficacy of his promised
-reward, I confidently hoped, that the feelings
-of relations and of the public would have
-suffered no injury. What really occurred I need
-not repeat. The man, I suppose, went off in some
-other direction, without making any effort at
-doing what it was his duty to have done, and (as
-I at that time conceived) that of no other person.
-Since that affair, however, I can readily admit
-that it would have been prudent, and in every respect
-proper, either personally, or by means of
-another, to have ascertained that the thing was
-really and decently done and completed. So far
-as I have said, I acknowledge myself to have
-acted imprudently; and so far, therefore, do I
-apologize to the public, and more particularly to
-the friends of the deceased.</p>
-
-<p>Anatomy, however, must be studied. Is it possible
-that any one can doubt this? I am informed,
-Sir, that it <em>is</em> possible. But if this be true, I am
-sure the strange opinion must be held by those
-who never employed a thought upon the subject.
-Give me leave to recommend such persons to
-consult their medical attendants upon the nature
-and consequences of the following diseases,&mdash;aneurism,
-hernia, stone, cataract. Let them inquire,
-further, how they are to be remedied, and
-how frequent they are in their occurrence; and
-then, and thereafter, I pledge myself that their
-prejudices against dissection of the human body
-will have been lessened, if not overthrown.</p>
-
-<p>“Anatomy,” says Mr. Abernethy in a pamphlet
-published on the occasion of the enlargement of
-an Anatomical Theatre, under the sanction of the
-Governors of a contiguous Hospital; “Anatomy
-forms the only basis on which the superstructure
-of medical science can possibly be built. We
-must understand the healthy structure and functions
-of the various organs and parts of the body,
-or we can never understand the nature of their
-diseases, nor the rational mode of effecting their
-cure.”</p>
-
-<p>Here is a broad declaration from the highest
-authority, and comment would but weaken its
-effect. To the great majority of thinking men,
-it will appear as if I were going about to prove
-that pain was an evil, by advancing arguments in
-proof of the necessity of Anatomy. But I have
-good reasons for believing, that certain persons
-who talk loudly about the horrors of disinterment,
-are quite unaware of the nature or object of that
-science, which they would consent to sacrifice at
-the shrine of an ill-directed, if even a praiseworthy
-feeling. Let me ask these persons, whether,
-in the event of a painful and dangerous
-illness occurring to themselves or their families,
-they would not desire the attendance of that
-medical practitioner whom they believed to be
-skilled in his profession? If any one of them
-reply to this inquiry affirmatively, I beg of that
-individual to read again the sentence which I have
-just quoted from Mr. Abernethy. Dissection and
-disinterment are <em>both</em> forgotten and forgiven,
-when agony distorts the features of a beloved
-sufferer, or when death seems to be impending
-over him; and when that science which but for
-Anatomy (<em>and in the present state of things but
-for disinterment</em>) could not exist, is ready at hand
-to relieve from torture, or to snatch from death.
-On the other hand, how numerous are actions
-against surgeons merely for supposed want of
-skill in treating fractures and other cases, when
-the patient does not acquire that relief which he
-expects. Suppose I were exposed to an action
-from my prosecutors for ignorance in that
-science which they have just prosecuted me for
-studying, who would be more ready to prosecute
-than they?</p>
-
-<p>Lest, however, our patients should delicately
-refrain from seeking information of their medical
-attendants, as supposing that they would be unwilling
-to betray the secrets of their <em>art and
-mystery</em>, let them be assured, that necromancy
-and juggling are not farther removed from the
-<em>practice</em> of medicine and surgery, than are reserve
-and mystery from that <em>theoretical</em> information,
-which every educated practitioner is, at all
-times, willing to afford. Permit me, Sir, to use
-this opportunity of detailing a case in surgery:
-a practice which, in my opinion, ought more frequently
-to be resorted to, as a means of impressing
-the public mind with a conviction of the value,
-<em>the indispensability</em>, of practical Anatomy.</p>
-
-<p>There is a large artery on each side of the neck
-conveying blood to the head: of so great magnitude
-is it, that, could the murderer wound it by a
-puncture only, his business would be sufficiently
-done, without any further division. A very small
-wound of this vessel would give vent to so many
-pounds of blood, in a few seconds, as would cause
-immediate death. Now this artery is subject to a
-disease called Aneurism, wherein its coats yield
-(perhaps on one side of the vessel) so as to form
-a small pulsating tumour. It is a membranous
-sac containing blood. It communicates with
-the interior of the artery, so that the contents of
-the tumour are easily squeezed back into the
-artery, whence, upon the removal of the pressure,
-the blood immediately returns into the sac. This
-tumour, gradually enlarged by the continuance of
-morbid actions, and by the impetus of the circulating
-blood, acquires, perhaps, the size of a large
-orange. The skin is in a constant state of increasing
-tension, and it finally becomes inflamed,
-and ulcerates, and the tumour bursts. After what
-was said of the size of the artery, I need not
-dwell upon the certainty of immediate death. The
-remedy consists in exposing the vessel between
-the diseased portion and the heart, (<i>i. e.</i> in the
-neck,) and closing it by applying a ligature upon
-it. This operation well performed, and under
-favourable circumstances, effects a perfect cure.
-But it is dreadful for any man to attempt it, (and
-there are many operations much more difficult,)
-without the most exact anatomical knowledge. It
-were far better that he allowed his patient to die
-<em lang="la" xml:lang="la">secundum naturam</em>, than that he presumed to
-hasten his death, by destroying him <em lang="la" xml:lang="la">secundum
-artem</em>. And, better were it many times over, that
-he experimented upon his own, than upon the
-throats of his unfortunate patients. Does he
-know the exact situation of the artery relatively
-to the deep parts about it? Does he know by
-what parts it is covered? Then let him proceed
-to expose it. It is surrounded by parts vitally
-important. It is in close contact with a great
-vein which partially overlaps it, and which is in
-continual motion. Should he wound this vein
-ever so slightly, the probability is that the operation
-is fatal; and yet, he has to separate it from
-the artery, and this at the bottom of a wound
-which is covered with blood. Important nerves
-environ the artery, and to include one of them in
-the ligature with it, would be as certainly fatal as
-to injure the vein. Suppose a dexterous man and
-an anatomist to be the operator: he leaves these
-important parts uninjured, because he knows their
-situation, and that of all the parts concerned;
-also, because he is calm and collected, from a consciousness
-of his own resources. He exposes
-a portion of the artery, he conveys a ligature
-around it, and his patient is safe. Suppose, again,
-that the operator, from a delicate sentimentality,
-has held disinterment to outweigh, in horror, any
-good that can arise from it, and has neglected to
-study Anatomy, lest he should encourage this
-“disgusting traffic.” Imagine this philosopher
-encountering these difficulties at the bottom of a
-bleeding wound. He cannot find the vessel at
-all, perhaps, before he has divided it, and a fatal
-gush of blood informs him of the result of his
-temerity. Or, he opens the vein, he divides some
-of the nerves, or he ties them up with the artery.
-It is all the same. He might as well have laid
-open the original tumour, and thus have killed
-the patient at once.</p>
-
-<p>That man’s prejudices against Anatomy, Mr.
-Mayor, <em>and even against disinterment</em>, must be
-rooted indeed, who, in the face of such facts as
-these, would still oppose himself against some
-slight sacrifice of feeling, to secure such important
-advantages as anatomical knowledge has been
-seen to confer. But, Sir, <em>the law requires of medical
-men that they be Anatomists</em>. It is illegal to
-commence practice before obtaining the certificate
-of the Society of Apothecaries; and the candidate
-for this necessary credential is required to bring
-proofs of his having attended anatomical lectures,
-and is then examined as to his knowledge of
-Anatomy. Mark, therefore, Sir, I beseech you,
-the dilemma in which we stand. <em>It is illegal to
-obey the laws.</em> I would humbly hope, that a
-thorough investigation of the real state of things,
-may incline you, in any future transactions of this
-kind, to view them with that leniency which gentlemen
-will always feel inclined to extend toward
-scientific objects, and which has been ever held
-to be consistent with, if not the most ennobling
-quality of, Justice.</p>
-
-<p>And here let me pointedly assert, what is also,
-I understand, doubted by many, viz. that actual
-dissection of the human body is essential to any
-available anatomical knowledge. It is one of the
-terse remarks of the eminent anatomist whom I
-have before quoted, in reply to the vulgar complaint
-that the dead are “mangled” by Surgeons,
-“<em>Either the dead or the living must be mangled</em>:”&mdash;but,
-I believe, after what has been said before
-upon the connexion between Anatomy and Surgery,
-that it is needless to enlarge upon this point.
-It must be plain that books and plates cannot
-qualify a man to remove a stone from his neighbour’s
-bladder, or to lay open the fore part of his
-friend’s eye, and therefore I refrain from touching
-upon the subject.</p>
-
-<p>Next comes the important question, How are
-subjects to be obtained? Disinterment, it is now
-well known, affords by far the greater number of
-those used in the schools. But, surely, it is a little
-hard upon the profession, not only to deny to
-them any fair and agreeable means of procuring
-subjects, but after compelling them to converse
-with the most equivocal characters that they may
-procure what is absolutely necessary to them,
-to denounce their dealings with such men as
-criminal and felonious. If there had been any
-complaint, it might, most rationally, have been
-expected from us, pioneers levelling the path of
-life: who, while expected to be ever ready to
-assist our masters, whensoever their necessities
-require our interference, are unprovided with the
-principal instrument required in the work. Nay
-more, when we exert <em>ourselves</em>, and procure it in
-the best way we can, in a state scarcely fit for
-handling, the implement being utterly useless for
-any other purpose, we are rewarded with complaints
-and abuse. Would this were all: we are
-prosecuted. (<em>Once, we were, facetiously enough,
-indicted for a felony upon this score; but it need
-not be feared a second time: for the wit of the
-proceeding not happening immediately to appear,
-this merry conceit assumed too much the tone of
-malice aforethought, to render the jest expedient
-in future.</em>) But, something ought to be done to
-relieve the medical profession from the disgusting
-necessities under which it is placed. Criminals
-whose bodies are sentenced to dissection, afford,
-happily, a very inadequate supply. Instances of
-persons bequeathing their remains for the purposes
-of science are very rare. An eminent example,
-however, of that kind of liberality occurred
-lately in the metropolis, and the donor was of the
-Medical Profession. It has been said, Why do
-not Surgeons <em>generally</em> set an example of such
-devotedness to science? There is no justice in
-such a demand. As well might it be required of
-the clergyman, whose duty it is to compose and
-direct toward heaven the last thoughts of a dying
-criminal, that he should precede or accompany him
-thither. It is not under the influence of my own
-feelings that I deny the fairness of such a demand,
-but for the reasons I have stated: for might I
-hope to bring about a practice, which I acknowledge
-to be desirable, while I deny its incumbency,
-I would, with the utmost pleasure, put my
-hand to such a testament immediately. The
-gentleman referred to, desired that his body might
-be conveyed to a medical school for the benefit of
-the students, and having been satisfactorily examined,
-that it should be returned to his friends
-for interment. Such a laudable practice as this,
-need not be confined to surgeons: the public are
-at least <em>equally</em> interested in it; and most sincerely
-do I hope, that this eminent example may
-not want followers, either in or out of the profession.
-One of this gentleman’s declared objects
-was to recommend such a practice, and it has
-every thing noble and useful to recommend it.</p>
-
-<p>But “they manage these things better in
-France.” Every dead body which has lain for inspection
-a certain time, and is unclaimed, is sent
-to one or other of the schools of Anatomy, whence
-it is returned after proper examination enveloped
-in matting and ready for interment. This is an
-ancient custom in Paris, and a very important one.
-A subject is, by means of it, to be obtained for
-about five or six francs, and students are enabled
-to dissect with greater perseverance than in this
-country, where no subject is to be obtained for less
-than ten or twelve guineas. “There are unhappily,”
-says Mr. Abernethy, “in this, as well as in
-other countries, numbers who die without friends
-or relatives to mourn their loss. If then the
-superintendents of prisons, poor-houses, and
-eleemosynary establishments, would but consent
-that the remains of those who die in such circumstances
-and are unclaimed, should be made the
-subjects of anatomical instruction, we should be
-put upon the same footing as other nations, and
-the obnoxious offence of disinterring the dead,
-would be no longer necessary, or committed.”
-Here would be no injury to the feelings of any
-person; for the word “<em>dissection</em>,” “<em>examination</em>”
-should be substituted; and it should be fully
-understood, that the corpse would be subsequently
-and decently buried. Ought not the bodies of
-many suicides to be so examined, and would
-not such a law lessen the frequency of those horrible
-occurrences? It is proposed above, to ask
-the <em>consent of</em> the superintendents of hospitals,
-<abbr title="et cetera">&amp;c.</abbr>; but I believe, nothing less than a legal enactment,
-will relieve the profession and the public
-generally, from this constant source of annoyance.
-You are probably aware, Sir, that Mr. Peel has given
-notice of his intention to propose a bill to facilitate
-the acquisition of subjects. In what precise
-manner it is his intention to proceed in this untrodden
-path, it is impossible to presume. But
-proceed he most certainly will; and if ever good
-were to be augured from an enlightened, liberal-minded,
-talented senate, now is a time when we
-may look forward with sanguine expectation. Mr.
-Peel is well known to entertain the most liberal
-views upon the subject, and it would be strange
-indeed, if a gentleman so distinguished, so much
-a scholar, and so much a patriot, should, amid
-numerous wise enactments, overlook those serious
-obstacles, which prejudice, ignorance, and vulgarity
-throw in the way of medical and surgical science.
-Upon these hopes I would congratulate the profession,
-and their patients no less, as upon a promise
-of a very important good. Mr. Peel, I am
-convinced, will never fail us, if the good sense of
-the country do but second his endeavours. For
-himself, at least, he will earn the meed of true
-greatness. “Homines enim ad Deos nulla re
-proprius accedunt, quam salutem hominibus
-dando.”</p>
-
-<p>I believe, Sir, it is needless that I trouble you
-with any more observations. Should the foregoing
-be a cause of uneasiness to any person
-who peruses them, my whole justification lies in
-this, that there is not one which I have not
-felt myself bound to submit. For yourself, Mr.
-Mayor, men of eminent ability will, certainly,
-be compelled by their less gifted fellow citizens,
-to assume high and responsible situations: and
-dazzling as their elevation may be to the vulgar
-eye, we are assured that the cares and toils of
-office, are ever in proportion to its dignity and
-importance. None can be supposed to enjoy distinction
-and honour unqualified and unmixed. Of
-course, <em>we</em> hold in especial veneration the name
-of Mayor, connected as it is with so many grand
-and sublime associations. We consider, not the
-extent of his authority alone, but those high moral
-and intellectual qualifications, which are presumed
-to be inherent in one whose arduous office it is to
-fill the Corporation Chair, and dignify the civic
-pageant. To such an officer, and actuated by
-such feelings, have <em>I</em> betaken myself in my
-wronged and calumniated situation.</p>
-
-<p>The adjudication of the past misdemeanor, but
-for the reasons which have been stated, would
-have been heard from you, and doubtless you
-would have inflicted some temperate punishment.
-You would have replied to any proposer of partiality,
-<em>I will do my duty, in spite of threats or
-entreaties</em>&mdash;and most honourable would your answer
-have been. Now, Sir, I myself have to perform,
-though an humbler, yet, a piece of duty
-equally imperative, if not equally important. While
-I profess to practice medicine and surgery it is
-my duty to study Anatomy, and I may reply with
-you, I will do <em>my</em> duty in spite of threats or of obstacles.
-Nay, I shall be frank enough to go a little
-further, and declare unequivocally, that I will
-study Practical Anatomy as long as I have life,
-and will give all possible assistance to any persons
-who are following the same pursuit.</p>
-
-<p class="flushright r6">I am, Mr. Mayor,</p>
-
-<p class="flushright r2">Your very humble servant,</p>
-
-<p class="flushright r1">WM. COOKE.</p>
-
-<hr class="p4 medium" />
-<p class="center smaller">Printed by Mills, Jowett, and Mills, Bolt-court, Fleet-street.</p>
-</div><!--end chapter-->
-
-<div class="chapter">
-<h4 class="h4head">Transcriber's Note</h4>
-
-<p class="p2">This book was written in a period when many words had not become
-standardized in their spelling. Words may have multiple spelling
-variations or inconsistent hyphenation in the text. These have been
-left unchanged. Misspelled words were not corrected.</p>
-
-</div><!--end transcriber note-->
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