Description

Book Synopsis

History and science collide in the fascinating history of anatomy, from artistic explorations by Leonardo da Vinci and the full-body papier-mâché model produced by Louis Auzoux to the crimes of William Burke and William Hare in 19th-century Edinburgh.

This history of how anatomy was studied focuses on Edinburgh and the West Port murders in 1828 and acknowledges the science’s reliance on dead bodies taken without consent. Edinburgh was an important centre for medical teaching at this time but the sixteen murders exposed the darker side of the practice and study of medicine – the bodies were sold by Burke and Hare to the Edinburgh University anatomist Dr Robert Knox.

The book accompanies a major exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland beginning 2 July 2022 which charts five hundred years of medical exploration.



Table of Contents

Introduction/History of Anatomy/Edinburgh and Anatomy/the West Port murders/An end to grave robbing, Further reading, Acknowledgements

Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life

    Product form

    A Paperback / softback by Tacye Phillipson

    £14.24

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £14.99 – you save £0.75 (5%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Sat 12 Sep 2026.

    1 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life by Tacye Phillipson

      Book details

      Publisher NMSE - Publishing Ltd
      Published 7 July 2022
      ISBN-13 9781910682463
      978-1910682463
      ISBN-10 1910682462
      Also in:
      Anatomy Dissection History of medicine

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      History and science collide in the fascinating history of anatomy, from artistic explorations by Leonardo da Vinci and the full-body papier-mâché model produced by Louis Auzoux to the crimes of William Burke and William Hare in 19th-century Edinburgh.

      This history of how anatomy was studied focuses on Edinburgh and the West Port murders in 1828 and acknowledges the science’s reliance on dead bodies taken without consent. Edinburgh was an important centre for medical teaching at this time but the sixteen murders exposed the darker side of the practice and study of medicine – the bodies were sold by Burke and Hare to the Edinburgh University anatomist Dr Robert Knox.

      The book accompanies a major exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland beginning 2 July 2022 which charts five hundred years of medical exploration.



      Table of Contents

      Introduction/History of Anatomy/Edinburgh and Anatomy/the West Port murders/An end to grave robbing, Further reading, Acknowledgements

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account