The Anatomy Murders

Welcome to Beyond the Knife– where history and medicine collide.

In this episode, we’re joined by Anatomist and Human Remains Conservator Cat Irving.

Cat examines the notorious Burke and Hare case and the West Port murders, where poverty and the opportunity to profit from Edinburgh’s cadaver shortage led to a gruesome trade in bodies. Using this grim chapter of history, Cat explores how the scandal reshaped the teaching of anatomy and led to lasting changes in medical ethics and legislation.

This episode is hosted by Chanté St Clair Inglis Director of Heritage and Estates at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

Produced by Jordanna Kielty-O'Neill and Keshena Goldie for Surgeons Hall Museums, Library and Archives.

Music Credit: Zap Splat

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