a lecture EXHUMATION AND DISSECTION OF HUMAN BODIES. J M. B. WRIGH T, M. D., PROFESSOR ETC. IN THE MEDICAL COLLEGE OK OHIO. M ' W 4f I CINCINNATI: PRINTED BY J. A. ROBINSON & CO. 109 MAIN STREET. IS 16. •Jr' A LECTURE ON THE EXHUMATION AND DISSECTION ©F HUMAN BODIES (■ BY M. R. WRIGHT, M. D., SROFESSOR ETC. IN THE MEDICAL COLLEGE OF OHIO, CINCINNATI: PRINTED BY J. A. ROBINSON & CO. 109 MAIN STREET.. 1846. MEDICAL COLLEGE OF OHIO, November 18th, 1846. At a meeting of the MedicalrClass, held in the College Edifice, G. R. HctHt was called to the Chair, and E. W. Steele chosen Secretary. The object of the meeting being explained, it was on motion Resolved, That a committee of six be appointed by the Chairman, to request of Prof. M. B. Wright a copy of his Introductory Lecture delivered on the even- ing of the 3d inst.,for publication. The Chairman appointed the following gentlemen : Messrs. J. S. McGrew, J. W. Davis, T. W. Jones, J. S. Mclteeny, T. Cook, and 0. C. Kendrick. On motion, adjourned. G. R. HUNT, Chairman. E. W. Steele, Secretary. CORRESPONDENCE. MEDICAL COLLEGE OF OHIO, Nov. 18th, 1846. Prof M. B. Wright:—Dear Sir : The undersigned, a committee of the Medical '•Class, take great pleasure in handing you the above mirrute : and very respect- fully request, that, if agreeable, the Address, at your earliest convenience, b« placed at our disposal, in view of its publication. We are, dear sir, with great respect, yours, &c, J. S. McGrew, T. W. Jones, T. Cook, J. W. Davis, J. S. McIteeny, 0. C. Kendrick, Committee. 'Cincinnati, November 20, 1846. Gentlemen : I thank you for your kind notice of my Introductory Lecture. It is yours, to dispose of in any manner you may deem best. Sincerely, your friend, M. B. WRIGHT. Messrs. McGrew, Davis, Jonks, McIteeny, Cook, and Kendrick, Com. LECTURE.. Gentlemen: By the usages of this Institution, I am authorised to read to you an introductory lecture, upon any subject appertaining to our profession. On the present occasion, I shall avail myself of the privilege thus conferred, to offer you a few reflections upon the exhumation and dissection of human bodies. These reflections are founded upon a bill introduced into the last General Assembly, and which, in a modified form, became a law. We present the inquiry, at the outset, Would the study of anatomy be facilitated by the passage of a law authorising dis- sections? At firsl view, most persons would return an affirm- ative answer. But such a question, opens a broad field for reflection. We have neither time nor inclination to enter it, in the character of a disputant, yet, we cannot withhold an expression of opinion upon one or two points. No law can continue in effective operation, which is not sanctioned by the people. Such an one as is now under consideration, would excite prejudices, and an opposition, which years of studied caution might not be sufficient.'to overcome. And the difficul- ties which now beset us, in carrying on dissections, would be greatly enhanced. Open, unrestrained dissections, would tend to immorality. Where will you witness such constant exposures of mutilated bodies as are witnessed in Paris ? And where will you find the same amount of bold, unblushing infidelity, as in that great city ? Give free license to the dissector, and you deprive him of all motive to practice concealment. The idler, who, at first, would marvel at his unrefinement and cruelty, would at length 4 turn away with an established indifference of life. He would look upon man as upon all material things—destined to death and decay, without the power of reanimation. To him, the body would appear little else than a homogenous mass, formed and fashioned by a law of nature, and not by infinite wisdom. The physician who examines it with care and judgment, de- rives, as he unfolds its complicated organization, a faint im- pression of the character of its divine author. Without this, he, too, would be liable to the blight and curse of unbelief. A criminal statute, demands approval or opposition, accord- ing to the extent of its prohibitions and punishment. He who, in his anatomical pursuits, violates professional decency, and manifests a total disregard of private and public feeling, cannot, and should not, escape condemnation. A law, the provisions of which would necessarily lead to an abandonment of dissections, would result in any thing but good to mankind. To be just and useful, a law, while it held out punishment to the thoughtless and fool-hardy,, should silently commend the cautious and considerate. To my mind, if there be any crime connected with this subject, it consists in the manner of taking dead bodies, and in the wrong selection of them. A statute may contain so many details, and impose penalties so degrading and severe, as to defeat its own objects. Such was the nature of the original resurrection bill of last winter. It prohibited the appointment of any one as a professor, who was not willing to give bond and security, that no dissections should be carried on in the colleges. The enforcement of such a lawr, would have resulted in an abandonment of the colleges, as places for medical teaching, or, in the procuring of other buildings for purposes of dissection. Suppose the former, would any advantages have accrued to community? Would the dead have reposed any the more quietly and safely in their graves ? We think otherwise, and a part of our reasons for thus thinking, may be summed up in few words. In this Institution, the " materiel" for dissection is furnished to students. It is obtained by properly authorised persons, and 5 no body is admitted, which, it is believed, upon exposure, would r excite any painful regrets. Governed by a desire not to injure private feeling, but to secure public confidence, the professor, whose business it is, keeps a watchful and protective eye over all the cemeteries within his reach. Deprive him of every interest to be, in this manner, vigilant, and whose tomb would be safe from the rapacity of those employed by the Institutions of other states ? Most of the outcry against dissections has originated in un- wise and inconsiderate legislation. First, in granting charters for the encouragement of false and deceptive systems of prac- tice ; second, in authorizing schools to be established in places altogether unsuited to the successful prosecution of medical sci- ence : third, in multiplying Medical Schools to an almost in- definite extent. It may not be amiss to enlarge, somewhat, upon each of these three points. The origin of the Steam System, and its introduction into Ohio, are known to most, if not to all of us. At first, its doc- trines were simple, and its medicines were few. Until within a comparatively recent period, not one of its advocates had the boldness to modify it, either in theory or practice. But their arrogant leader died, and contrary to all former asseverations, he died from disease. Now, the scramble commenced, among those who were anxious to wear the mantle of the fallen chief. From the Old Dominion, came a successful claim in behalf of one of her loquacious sons. But, with him, as with some other prophets, it was supposed that fame could be acquired more rapidly abroad, than in his own country. The capital of Ohio was selected as the theatre of a medical enterprize, and appeals were made to the Legislature to aid in its success. By some, it was treated with indifference; by others, as one of the con- ceits of an enthusiastic mind. The idea that a college was ne- cessary to teach the use of lobelia or pepper, was too absurd for serious consideration. Enthusiasm, however, with its boldness, and cunning with its combined devices, excited the members of the Legislature to impatience, and finally triumphed over 6 »ober reason. The charter which established the Steam Col- lege in Columbus, has been modified so as to admit of a change of location, and we now have it in our midst, under the name of the " Literary and Botanico Medical College of Ohio." It still proclaims that Thompsonism is the basis of its doctrines, but, in the face of all former declarations, it is now claimed that a knowledge of practical anatomy is essential to successful practice. Another Medical School was established near the centre of the State, and the history of its teachings is also a history of tergiv- ersations. In a circular, issued soon after the. organization of its first Faculty, it was intimated, if not positively declared, that the knife was an unnecessary and cruel means of cure, and the idea was for some time entertained that dissections would not be practiced. The people were lulled into a feeling of security, but, it was a feeling which had its limits. Thegrave, here and there, was despoiled of its sleeping tenant, and such outrages were committed as induced the Legislature to declare the char- ter of the College void. What next? In a short time there- after, a new charter was obtained, and the college of reformers was transferred to Cincinnati, under the name of the " Eclectic Medical College." Practical Anatomy and Operative Surgery are among the branches which its professors partially teach. To obtain the consent of the Legislature for the establishment of these Schools, it was necessary to profess different systems of practice. But, to what extent do they differ? The one con- sists of the steam practice with additions; while the other is composed of these additions, to which has been superadded the steam practice. In the one case, the pyramid rests upon its base, in the other upon its apex, the difference consisting only in a change of position—not of structure. How is the system of these Schools related to regular scientific practice ? It sus- tains about the same relation, as the nail to the entire edifice. Those who adopt it, pull weeds from the corners of the fences, leaving the ripe and full harvest to be gathered and garnered by others. They prefer the chaff with its slight admixture of 7 grain, to the clean and wholesome wheat. If, in their anatom-r ical investigations, they have transcended the power intended. to be given them, it will serve as a caution in future legislation* The location of Medical Colleges in small inland towns or cities, is injurious, both to the profession and the public. Their facilities for teaching are limited, and the education of their gupils, must, necessarily be imperfect. They cannot give the necessary instructions in anatomy without a due supply of sub- jects. These subjects must be procured from neighbouring burial grounds, or from others through the country, and at con- siderable hazard and expense. Except during the prevalence of a fatal epidemic, or when more than the usual number of deaths have occurred from ordinary causes, a selection of sub- jects cannot be made. The excitement produced, and the in- dignation expressed, in the northern portion of the State, and in the Legislature during the last winter,,raay be taken as slight evidence of the truth of our assertions. In no place, in the non-slaveholding state5, can classes be taught practical anatomy, peacefully and successfully, save in laro;e cities. Here, individuals are numerous, who subsist upon public charity, or prey upon public morals; who live degraded and die as outcasts. Failing to render themselves useful in some way while living, and forfeiting all claims to affectionate remembrance when dead, why may not their bodies be em- ployed to subserve some useful end ? It is the belief of most professional men,, that Medical Schools, in any considerable number are adverse to a substantial, scien- tific mental culture. As a general remark it is true, that com- petition gives activity to business, and is an incentive to learning and to professional exertion. But, the history of Medical Col- leges does not sustain this principle. Their establishment is too often souo-ht to attain some ambitious end, or as a means to succeed in some revengeful, opposition. In places where a num- ber of Medical Colleges exist, each prompted by an honourable emulation, both as regards the extent and completeness of stu- dies there is too often exhibited a total disregard of all feeling 8 or relationship in procuring subjects for dissection. Will the profession say there is no iniquity in this? Will public for- bearance authorise the continuance of such proceedings? Or will not the number of Medical Schools be kept within proper limits, not only that they may be encouraged to enlarge their means of usefulness, but that they may be held to a strict ac- countability for their acts ? With such a variety of Medical Schools as now exist, well may the people exclaim, in the lan- guage of the frogs in the fable, " It may be sport for you, but it is death to us!" There are certain individuals in all communities, whose wishes are not entitled to respect, and whose approbation is not worth the seeking. Their characters are an enigma. They oppose without knowledge, and cherish prejudices without reason. They would close their doors against a houseless wanderer, as against some visible pestilence. They would turn a deaf ear to his cries for bread. They would point to the gutter as his fit resting place. They might urge for him a christian burial, but they would not contribute one cent to save him from becoming a prey to the wolves. Yet, if you were to touch that decay- ing body with the knife of the dissector, these kind hearted creatures would never cease to follow you with their hatred and persecutions. There are no subjects which excite the imagination, and lead it astray more readily, than those which relate to the dead. Is a murder committed, a thousand tragical occurrences are added to give it completeness, and to render it a suitable subject for fireside narration. Has some criminal expiated his offence upon the scaffold ? it is not enough that he was once a man, and that he had been led astray by unbridled passions, but he must needs be fashioned into the likeness of a demon, with all his depravity and cruelty of heart. Let me present a short paragraph, the substance of which may be taken from almost any of the newspapers of the day. A. B., the murderer of C. D., has paid the penalty due his crime. The testimony was conclusive as to his guilt, and h§ 9 listened to his sentence without emotion. In his cell, he was sullen, revengeful and unrepenting. On his way to the place of execution he looked calmly upon the multitude who followed him. He ascended the scaffold with a firm step, and threw upon the spectators an expression of ineffable contempt, not- withstanding the weight of crime he was about to carry with him to eternity. The prayers and exhortations of the minis- ter, whose feelings had been enlisted in his behalf, were as unheeded as the passing breeze. The fatal noose was carefully adjusted, the cap was drawn over the face of the criminal to conceal its hideous aspect, and as soon as it was announced that all was ready the d.rop fell. From some unexpected cause his cap was displaced, exhibiting to an excited people his glaring eye-balls starting from their sockets—his livid and distorted features—and the twitchings of his mouth and lids. The strength of the rope was not sufficient to sustain the weight of the body with its violent convulsions, and it descended rapidly to the earth. It was not yet dead, and the executioner, eager in the discharge of his duty, and to improve in the science of butchery, made a second and a third effort before he had com- pleted his work. After hanging for half an hour, the body was delivered to the surgeon for dissection, to whom it had been previously sold by the criminal himself. All these, with various other elements, are deemed essential to a legal and interesting public execution. How strangely inconsistent is the public mind. There will stand a gaping crowd, from early morn until noonday, and from noonday until nio-ht, with mud under their feet, and a storm over their heady, in anxious expectation to see a fellow being hung by the neck until he is dead, dead, dead. And they never *feel horror stricken^ until they reflect how inhumanly he is to be treated by the hands of the doctors. Medical students, like newspaper editors1, often deal in the marvellous and then smile at individual credulity. Not long since an occurrence was related to an old lady somewhat in the following s'train: On a dark stormy night like the present, the 10 resurrectionist is on the alert, and I am. reminded, of my own grave-yard adventures. I was one of four who had agreed to exhume the body of a, man, of immense height, who had died, suddenly. After procuring the necessary pick and spades, rope. and sack, we proceeded to,the designated place of burial. But the light from the surrounding windows fell brightly upon the tomb-stones, and rendered it unsafe, at, so early an hour, to engage in the execution of our task^ Wrapped in our cloaks, we lay concealed in the dark shadows of the church».until after midnight. Then we assumed the duty assigned us. One was stationed at the entrance, another, at the outlet of the grave- yard, as sentinels, while a third and myself commenced the digging. No countersign wras given of approaching danger, until, we had reached the lid of the coffin. 1\ was made of thick boards, and fastened with,long screws, so that much force was required to break it.. It gave way with a loud noise, which resounded from house to house, and roused the faithful watch-dogs from their slumbers. A general barking ensued, lamps were lighted, and. forms were dimly seen, passing the windows. Not a footstep, however, was heard approaching us, and we returned to our labour, which had been temporarily suspended. A rope was fastened around the neck of the corpse, and after much and long continued effort it was dragged from its resting place. We had not gone far with our burden, when, as we turned a corner,a man came suddenly upon us. We did not faulter, for we discovered at,once that he was a.staggering drunkard. At length we became weary, and transfered our load to a wheelbarrow, which we found after much search under a wood-shed, l\ gave a relief to our shoulders, but the noise of its rusty axle grated harshly upon our ears. Day- light was fast approaching—smoke was issuing from many, a chimney—the butcher's wagon was passing on its way, to the; market, and every step we took was attended with hazard. In sight of home we came to a halt. Doctors what have you there ? inquired one gruffly. With our hearts in our throats, we fell back a short distance, and watched the movements of IT the intruder. We saw him lift the sack, and-place hi? hand upon its cold, human contents—we saw him start—shudder— and with uplifted hands he ran until out of sight. We siezed this, as the only favourable moment for escape, and carrying our treasure with us, reached the place which had been prepared for our receptiou. If such a story were told- to exercise a talent for invention,. and to fill up an.idle hour, it might not create much mischief, but, students cannot be too careful,.even in the relation of facts, not to excite unmerited reproach. The subject of post mortem examinations, intimately con- nected with the one under consideration^ is one of sufficient importance to claim the serious and constant attention of the profession. It has been said that these examinations are soli- cited from a morbid curiosity, and not from any expectation that they will result in practical good. Such a charge, how- ever, rests upon no solid foundation, and has been uttered without thought. If examinations of disease after death, were made to subserve individual purposes only, they should not be allowed. But, we maintain, that whatever is beneficial to the profession, contributes also to the public weal. The more cor- rect our view.s of disease, the greater the benefits which we confer upon our patients. Our pathological knowledge would indeed be imperfect, if obtained exclusively from symptoms. We know that the brain is encased within the cranium—the heart and lung? within the chest—the stomach and liver within the abdomen, but without adding to an association of symptoms during life, a visual inspection of structure and changes after death, how imperfect would be our knowledge of their dis- eases. Post mortem examinations then, result in general good, and are often peculiarly beneficial to individuals and families. Circumstances may modify the general aspect of disease—some of the more common symptoms may be absent, or strange ones may have been superinduced. Families are endowed with peculiarities of mind and disposition, and why shall not disease appear with anomalous features? There are several symptoms 12 which are characteristic of Consumption, and especially when they exist at the same time, but, individuals have died whose lungs were almost a mass of tubercles, and, yet, their presence had not been indicated by pain, cough or expectoration. Dis- ease of the lungs then, might progress and terminate fatally, without its presence being suspected, unless examinations shall have been made of those in the same family, similarly affected. Where is there a parent, who would not request that his own lifeless body be opened, if he thought that it would be the means of throwing light upon the diseases of his child? Or, where is there an individual, who, in view of its great value to a brother or sister, would withhold a similar request ? We do not hesitate to say, that upon every man in community, there is as strong a demand, scientifically, socially and morally, to aid in post mortem investigations, as there is upon physicians to make them. And it is one of those important subjects upon which we should all unite, as in a common cause. Post mortem examinations are often required when death is supposed to be the result of violence. Without them, the ver- dict of a jury of inquest might defeat the ends of justice, or pronounce guilt upon the innocent. There is no law which requires a physician to perform such service, and when ren- dered, he should receive an adequate remuneration. But in most instances, it is shamefully withheld, and for no better rea- son, than, that the information thus acquired is a sufficient recompense. Carry this principle to the tailor who cuts your coat—to the blacksmith who shoes your horse—to the lawyer who pleads your suit—and to the judge who decides upon your case, and how will it result? The skill and knowledge of each is improved by practice, but it is no reason why others should be permitted to dispose of this skill and this knowledge as their own. I have never yet learned, from any authentic source, that Doctors were not included in that brief, but com- prehensive sentence, " The labourer is worthy of his hire." I know that public officers have now and then thought otherwise, but as we have the remedy in our own hands, we should compel 13 them to learn the lesson of reciprocal justice. Let me select a case, from the many which might be given, in illustration. After an individual had been several days buried, it was rumored that his death had been caused by violence. The cor- oner, ever ready to discharge this part of his duty, requested two Physicians of high standing, to examine the body. They left their business, traveled seven or eight males in the country, assisted in raising the corpse, and then instituted a careful and protracted dissection. It was a hot day in summer—the body was undergoing rapid decomposition—and the odour from it was sufficient to make Grahamites of all those who seat them- selves astride the public purse, and in the name of protection ride it as a hobby. Well, after all this, what think you was the amount of the fee which they received? An hundred dol- lars ? No. Fifty dollars ? No. Twenty dollars ? No. Ten dollars ? No. Then how much did; they receive ? They received the enormous sum, and in actual cash, too, of two dollars and fifty cents! They were indeed fortunate, for others have render- ed similar service, and without being rewarded even by thanks. If young physicians were to reflect seriously upon the res- ponsibility which they assume in making post mortem exami- nations to aid in a criminal, prosecution, they would not volun- teer their services. Upon their testimony, the liberty, and even the;life of the accused might depend. Their own lives are not free from jeopardy, for by a prick or a cut from the knife, a poison from a putrid or contaminated body, has been introdu- ced into the system, and with fatal results. The question whether a knowledge of anatomy is essential to a clear understanding of disease, is one which will not justify discussion. All will admit the importance of this knowledge, although, there may not be an entire agreement as to the best means of obtaining it. Those who oppose the dissection of human bodies, claim, that by thaaid of engravings and models we can acquire information enough for all practical purposes. They are doubtless of great value to the student—they create a deeper and' more lasting impression upon the mind. And to 14 a certain extent their advantages may be compared with those of the map in acquiring a knowledge of Geography. But neither will convey to us any thing more than an outline of their several subjects. The soil might yield its grain—the rivers might flow on—and the tempest might lash the ocean wave into angry foam and to a mountainous height, but how imper- fectly would they be represented by the map before us. Black lines cannot portray our green forests, and extended prairies— our vine covered hills and fertile vales. If we would know the extent and value of the mine, we must remove its surface, fol- low its veins, and examine their thickness—and then subject the ore to the heat of the furnace. The direction of the blood-vessels and the proximity of im- portant organs, may be learned from plates and models, but we can know but little of their structure, their intimate and essen- tial relations, their functions or their several changes under the influence of disease, except by a laborious and protracted use of the knife. I have heard it said that the pills of some doc- tors would be as fatal to our gallant soldiers as the bullets of the Mexicans. Although such a remark may have been made in scorn, it contains much sober truth. Let us pause for a mo- ment and indulge in a few illustrative thoughts. On the rio-ht is heard the report of cannon; on the left is seen the flash and smoke of battle; in the centre is a fierce and hurried conflict; there is a general and determined struggle for victory; num- berless fortresses and masked batteries have accomplished their deadly work. " The ardour of the troops " has led theni into unseen dangers, but by swift action and undaunted bravery they have triumphed. Do they all live and rejoice that they have sustained the glory of American arms and the honour of the American name? No. There lay prostrate in dust and gore, three hundred slain and two hundred groaning from their wounds. To whom shall we carry the man with the bleeding artery? The other with the shattered limb? the other with the fractured skull ? the other whose jaws has been shot away? the other whose eye is hanging from .its socket ? Shall the 15 arrest of hemorrhage, the amputation of limbs, the extraction of balls, the stitchingand dressing of wounds be entrusted to a fellow soldier, to a self-educated and self-constituted doctor, or to the Surgeon whose skill is founded upon knowledge acquired in the dissecting-room? There is no subject, perhaps, upon which the judgment and the feelings have contended forsupi-emacy more, than upon the sub- ject of dissections. In the argument of the one, is presented the lifeless and decaying body—the dark, damp place of its deposit— the worms by which it must be speedily devoured—the suffering and claims of the living. In the argument of the other, is em- bodied a recollection of form and features—of kindred and affec- tion—of thoughts and sensibilities, and they cannot be seperated from the inanimate mass. When the bereaved mother, in her hour of lonely reflection, recalls the image of a child which death had taken from her, she does not dwell upon the stiffened limbs, the cold, damp brow, the attenuated cheek, the colourless lip, or the sunken eye, all rendered still more death-like by the long, white shroud. No. She thinks of it in its helplessness, when she nursed it in her arms and nourished it from her own body—or at a later period, when in its clean and neat summer dress, and with its ringlets flowing gracefully abouHts neck, it looked as gay as the butterfly, and as attractive as innocence itself; and when its spirit seemed too light and airy for the clouds of sor- row to rest upon it. She has, perhaps, lost her active, glad- some, thoughtless boy. She does not think of him as one of the putrid, ghastly, skeletonised tenants -of the tomb, but as he appeared to her in the days of his infancy-^or in more ad- vanced childhood, when he was happy in rolling his hoop, or cracking his whip, and holding his imaginary steeds. And then with the speed of a celestial messenger, her mind escapes from its material encasement and enters the spirit world, when, she imagines that she can hear the consolatory and musical whisperings of her angelic children, and feel their spotless