Anatomy : proceedings at the National Political Union, respecting legislative interference in the study of anatomy, and the supply of bodies for anatomical research.

  • National Political Union.
Date:
1832
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Anatomy : proceedings at the National Political Union, respecting legislative interference in the study of anatomy, and the supply of bodies for anatomical research. 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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    The lectures delivered on this subject at the Mechanics’ Institution are amongst the circumstances which, from time to time, mark the changes which occur, and demon- strate the improvement which has been made, giving con- fidence and'increasing the courage necessary to the pur- suit of knowledge. The subject now before us is another of these occurrences, and nothing can so clearly, so widely and so completely prove the advantages arising from unions, no matter under what name; since men may re- main for ever isolated without knowing the amount of their own information or that of others. It is only by occasionally meeting in numbers that they can ascertain the progress which has been made, estimate that which is likely to be made, and encourage and stimulate one another to push on. Five years ago no one would have ventured to introduce the subject of Anatomy and recommend the dissection of human bodies in any assemblage of working people, much less have attempted to discuss the subject as it will pro- bably be discussed this evening. I shall therefore proceed with pleasure, premising that I can only take notice of some of the more important parts of the extensive and very important subject. I have, as carefully as I could, examined the reasons which have been adduced why Anatomy should be studied, and think they are conclusive in its favor. I have as carefully examined the objections and think they are all founded in error. I do not mean to be understood as afiirming that the provisions of Mr. Warburton’s Bill are such as the wisest man living would have proposed. I know, indeed, that they are not entirely such as he himself would most ap- prove, but they are such as are most likely to be the least offensive to the largest amount of persons, such as are likely to be highly useful, and such as may easily be amend- ed at any time, should amendment be deemed advisable. This then like other subjects founded on utility, will be more useful the more it is freely examined and the better it is understood. If, however, it can be shewn that ray notions are erroneous; if it shall be proved that Anatomy is not the science of humanity, or that being the science of humanity it may be advantageously and sufficiently studied by means of plates, and books, and models, and by dissection of animals, I and others shall be enlightened, shall be benefitted thereby, and shall cease to advocate the propriety of examining human bodies. I am not one of those who fear lest truth should be elicited; I do not dread being beaten in argument, for I do not contend for victory. 1 and every other man must gain by becoming