Observations respectfully addressed to Members of Parliament / Benjamin Travers.

  • Travers, Benjamin, 1783-1858.
Date:
1832
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Observations respectfully addressed to Members of Parliament / Benjamin Travers. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    OBSERVATIONS i- • RESPECTFULLY ADDRESSED TO MEJUBERS OF PARLIAMENT. THE ANATOMY BILL) no\v before the House of Commons, is so objectionable in some material points, that a more particular consideration of its operation and consequences, should it pass into a legal enactment, is earnestly to be desired. The source of supply is so easy and ample, that although fenced by strong restraints in the shape of penalties for the violation of its conditions, on the part of buyer and seller, it will still act as a stimulus to the worst passions of men ; and not only encourage a repetition of the nefarious crimes which have been lately brought to light, but will assist to screen them from detection. A man who would commit murder for ten pounds would not shrink, under urgent circumstances, to do it for two. The absence of the motive is the only security against the propensity, ’ ’ •• • .. powerful of all, the love of money. In every instance, and it is to be feared there are many, in which a Lodging-House-Keeper has a poor and friendless inmate, the body of that inmate may become a security against loss, and an incentive to murder. Nor could the Licensing of Anatomical Schools, nor hedging round the License with legal penalties, much less, leaving the violation of the law to the exclusive cognisance of the Attorney General, put an end to the practice of Burking, so long as the transfer of bodies is a matter of legal traffic by sale and purchase. The desiderata for the common interests and protection of the public and the medical profession, and they are inseparable, are : I. The Legalisation of Anatomy. The Licensing of Schools of Anatomy, and the prohibition to practice anatomy, except in the Licensed Schools, under a heavy penalty. Excepting always such examinations to ascertain the appearances after death, as are practised by permission or desire of relatives, in the house in which the deceased died.