Association 
OF 
American Anatomists. 
Extract from Proceedings of Eighth Session 
HELD AT 
Philadelphia, Pa., Dec. 27 and 28, 1895. 
1. Address of the President, Thomas Dwight, M.D., LL.D., 
of Harvard Medical School. 
2. Report of Committee on Collection and Preservation 
of Anatomical Material. 
3. Anatomical Law of the State of Pennsylvania. 
[Reprinted from Science, N. S., Vol. III., No. 55, January 17, 1896.] Association 
OF 
American Anatomists. 
Extract from Proceedings of Eighth Session 
HELD AT 
Philadelphia, Pa., Dec. 27 and 28, 1895. 
1. Address of the President, Thomas Dwight, M.D., LL.D., 
of Harvard Medical School. 
2. Report of Committee on Collection and Preservation 
of Anatomical Material. 
3. Anatomical Law of the State of Pennsylvania. 
[Reprinted from Science, N. S., Vol. III., No. 55, January 17, 1896.] The Association of American Anatomists. 
OFFICE OF SECRETARY AND TREASURER, 
800 TENTH STREET, N. W. 
Washington, D. C., January 15, 1895. 
At the Eighth Annual Meeting of this 
Association, held in Philadelphia, Pa., De- 
cember 27 and 28, 1895, the Secretary was 
instructed to send a copy of the Report of 
the Committee on the Collection and Preser- 
vation of Anatomical Material, together 
with a copy of the President's Address and 
of the Pennsylvania Anatomical Law, to 
the Professors and Demonstrators of Anat- 
omy in the United States and Canada. 
D. S. Lamb, 
Secretary. ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN ANATOMISTS. 
OUR CONTRIBUTION TO CIVILIZATION AND 
TO SCIENCE. 
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS, BY DR. THOMAS 
DWIGHT, HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL. 
It had not been my intention to inflict 
upon the Association a Presidential address; 
but at a late moment, impressed with the 
gravity of the matters that are to come be- 
fore us, far transcending as one of them 
does, the importance of purely scientific dis- 
cussion, I felt it a duty I owe to the posi- 
tion I have the honor to hold, to introduce 
them to the Association with the best sug- 
gestions concerning them I can offer. It is 
not too much to call them our contribution 
to civilization and to science. Easily first 
in importance is the report of the committee 
on procuring and using anatomical material. 
Though both branches of the question are 
of interest to anatomists, the first rises be- 
yond the sphere of the specialist. It is a 
social question of the first importance. I 
shall not anticipate the report of the com- 
mittee, of which I am a member. I wish 
merely to lay down briefly certain principles 
which, I conceive, should guide us. We 
know only too well that dissection is an 
abomination to the popular mind. The 
aversion to it is well nigh universal, con- 
fined to no class of society, nor to any creed. 
This horror seems to be founded chiefly on 
two points, one the deprivation of sepulchre, 
the other the idea that the remains are sub- 
mitted to wanton insult. The idea that re- 
spect is due to the dead body is so deeply 
rooted in the human mind as to be almost 
instinctive. I am far from calling these 
feelings superstitious. We know, indeed, 6 
that no violence can harm the dead, but, 
though reason is convinced, the heart is not 
satisfied. We anatomists, no less than 
others, shudder at the thought of the dese- 
cration of the remains of those who have 
been near and dear to us. The mad wrath 
caused by the feeling that graves are not 
safe is a well justified one. It is a disgrace 
to our civilization that in some parts of the 
Union body-snatching is still practised, and 
that in others there exists an illicit trade 
in human bodies. Should any of my col- 
leagues think me indiscreet in alluding to 
these matters, I must remind them that I 
am saying nothing which has not been made 
notorious through the public press. 
It is idle to hope, while human nature 
remains what it is, that aversion to dissec- 
tion will ever disappear. Our wisest course 
is to recognize it, and to soften it by re- 
moving all just cause of complaint. It 
should be made clear to the public that dis- 
section can and should be followod by 
decent burial. I, myself, would go so far 
as to have the bodies of Protestants and 
Catholics buried in their respective ceme- 
teries, when the creed of the deceased is 
known. It also should be understood that 
no wanton insult is permitted in reputable 
schools. 
From careful observation I am convinced 
that the policy which will lead to the most 
satisfactory results is one of complete open- 
ness, that above all, we should avoid a 
timidity which shirks discussion of this 
topic. When we shall show so clearly as 
to carry conviction, that we have nothing 
to conceal, a great step will have been 
taken. I like to boast that the anatomical 
department of the Harvard Medical School 7 
is ready to give an account of every body it 
receives. If there be aught in the manage- 
ment of dissecting rooms that calls for criti- 
cism, I would not have reform forced upon 
us from without. Let us be the first to an- 
ticipate every reasonable demand. 
It seems to me that this is making every 
possible concession to the sentimental side 
of the question; but another complaint is 
often made in all honesty, by well-meaning 
persons, who object that the bodies of the 
poor should be treated otherwise than those 
of the rich. I reply that no one would 
reprobate more strongly than I any law 
that would allow the taking of the bodies 
of the poor from their near relatives; but 
we must distinguish between the respect 
due to the feelings of the living and any 
admission that dissection is in itself an 
injury to the dead. The former is human- 
ity; the latter is superstition, and to my 
mind a very contemptible one. 
I have alluded to the scandal of body- 
snatching, but an equally great scandal is 
its cause; the want, in many places, of an 
anatomy act, or the existence of one which 
the framers and all others know to be in- 
adequate. This state of affairs is in more 
respects than one an injury to the com- 
munity. Like a prohibitory law meant to 
be boasted of on the platform and in the 
pulpit, but not meant to be inforced, it de- 
stroys respect for law. It is the bounden 
duty of authorities of States, without ade- 
quate provision for dissection, to see that it 
is not practiced. After all, such communi- 
ties deserve to be treated by surgeons 
ignorant of anatomy. 
A radical defect in the laws of many 
States, otherwise well drawn, is that th 8 
delivery to medical schools of unclaimed 
bodies is optional with superintendents, 
Boards of Trustees and municipal au- 
thorities. The result of this is that those 
in authority very naturally hesitate to do 
anything for the advancement of science, 
which not only can be of no possible ad- 
vantage to themselves, but may involve 
them in serious difficulties. The cry of 
outrage on the poor is a sure card in the 
hand of the political demagogue, especially 
when it is raised against some honored in- 
stitution. It may also be used as a means 
of annoyance against political opponents. 
It is far easier, therefore, for those in office 
to remain quiet and leave science to suffer. 
A mandatory law would free them from all 
responsibility. ' Thyself shalt see the act,' 
would be a sufficient answer to all com- 
plaints. 
Details of law may and must differ with 
the locality, but a good anatomy act should 
have the following characteristics: First, 
it should be just, safeguarding the rights of 
the poor, and securing decency ; next, that 
it should be mandatory ; finally, it should 
be easy of execution. It is our duty in our 
several States to do our utmost for the pas- 
sage of a law that shall advance science, 
protect the grave and do credit to the com- 
munity. We have not the excuse of older 
times that the question is a new one. In 
view of our own shortcomings it behooves 
us to judge them lightly. For my part, I 
have far more respect for those who opposed 
dissection on the ground, however mistaken, 
that it might be displeasing to God, than 
for those who make it illegal by pandering 
to the prejudices of the ignorant. Dr. John- 
son's advice, 'free your mind from cant,' is 9 
here singularly apropos. We cannot boast 
of our civilization till this is remedied. 
Another subject which comes before us 
for discussion is the important question of 
anatomical nomenclature. German anato- 
mists have recently adopted a report pre- 
pared by some of their number, working in 
company with representatives of other 
European countries. It is for us to con- 
sider whether this one can be looked upon 
as accepted and whether it is acceptable; 
whether we can join hands with our foreign 
colleagues, or whether we can devise an 
American nomenclature which shall be so 
much better that we can disregard the in- 
convenience of a distinct standard. We 
have had for years a committee on ana- 
tomical nomenclature, with Professor Wilder 
for secretary, who has given so large a part 
of his busy life to this matter. We may 
expect an important contribution to the 
matter in the report of this committee. 
We are to hear also from the committee 
appointed to consider the anatomical pe- 
culiarities of the negro. I am not informed 
what success has been reached in the diffi- 
cult task of collecting statistics. It is a 
work of such anthropological importance 
that it would be doubly to be regretted 
should it come to naught. As has already 
been said at our meetings, it is most proper 
that this Society should collect all possible 
information as to the anatomy not only of 
the negro, but of such savage races as still 
survive in North America, and of the ex- 
tinct ones, whose bones can still be pro- 
cured in large numbers. 
Thus, gentlemen, you see that this meet- 
ing, besides the attractive list of papers, 
has before it matters of no ordinary interest 10 
and importance. I will no longer detain 
you from your work, firmly persuaded that 
the action of this Association will be in the 
interest of civilization and science. 
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE COLLEC- 
TION AND PRESERVATION OF ANA- 
TOMICAL MATERIAL. 
To the Association of American Anatomists: 
The committee appointed at the meeting 
of the Association to obtain information 
with regard to the collection and preserva- 
tion of anatomical material, and report 
what in their opinion are the best means of 
accomplishing these objects, begs respect- 
fully to submit the following report: 
In order to make the work of the com- 
mittee as comprehensive as possible and to 
obtain information which would be of 
service in arriving at definite conclusions 
as to the best methods of accomplishing the 
purposes in the resolution, the committee 
deemed it desirable to send to the teachers 
of anatomy, not only in this country, but 
abroad, a circular letter, with the following 
questions appended, and respectfully re- 
quested answers to be made thereto as fully 
as possible: 
1. Is anatomical material obtained in ac- 
cordance with legal enactment, wholly or in 
part? 
2. Is there an Anatomical Law in your 
State or country ? If so, please send a copy 
to the chairman of the committee. Please 
state whether the law is satisfactory in its 
provisions, whether it is readily obeyed by 
those upon whom duties are imposed by it, 
and mention any improvements you would 
suggest as to its requirements. 11 
3. Is the material received in good con- 
dition ? 
4. What disposal is ultimately made of 
the remains? 
5. Please state what means are employed 
to preserve anatomical material for the pur- 
poses of dissection or operative surgery. If 
injections of preservative fluids are used, 
state their composition and the methods 
of use, at what point injections are made, 
whether at the heart or in the large arter- 
ies, and their effect in accomplishing the 
preservation, with any changes in the color 
or character of the tissues. What length of 
time can material be used in dissection em- 
ployed by you? If preservation by means 
of cold storage is employed please state the 
cost of the machinery which it was neces- 
sary to construct for this purpose, and what 
means are taken to prevent decomposition 
after the subject is placed upon the table 
for dissection. 
6. Please state the cost by the method 
employed by you, for the reception, the in- 
jection and preservation of each subject. 
7. Do you obtain an adequate supply of 
material for the purposes of anatomical in- 
struction? How many students are as- 
signed to each subject, and what is the 
method of allotment? 
8. Please give any further information 
which you may deem of importance. 
This letter was sent to the professors of 
anatomy in 148 colleges in the United 
states; 25 in foreign countries, and 25 
copies were sent to the medical journals in 
this country and abroad. Forty-two re- 
plies have been received by the committee 
containing more or less specific answer to 
the questions propounded in the circular. 12 
Au analysis of the replies received presents 
the following results: 
1. Anatomical material is received wholly 
under the provisions of the law in thirty 
States and countries, in part by law, in 
seven ; and without law, in five. 
2. In reply to the second question pro- 
posed, fifteen copies of the laws which are 
in force, have been sent to the chairman of 
the committee, thirteen of them being the 
laws of States of this country, and two of 
foreign countries. With regard to the 
execution of the law, information was given 
to the effect that the provisions of the law 
were satisfactorily complied with in ten, 
fairly so in ten, not satisfactory in twelve, 
and no replies were given in ten. In eight 
the provisions of the law were stated to be 
obligatory, and in six the provisions were 
optional. In considering the subject of the 
report so far as it relates to the collection 
of anatomical material by law, the com- 
mittee has confined itself to the examina- 
tion of and report on the anatomical laws 
of the States of this country. 
3. The report as to condition in which 
anatomical material was received was that 
in twenty instances it was good; in twenty- 
one, fair; and in one, bad. 
4. As to the disposition of the remains, 
in twenty-seven institutions they were re- 
ported buried; in ten, cremated; and in four, 
thrown away. 
5. The answers received to the question 
with regard to the agents employed in ac- 
complishing the preservation of subjects, 
gave information as to quite a large number 
employed and in various combinations. An 
analysis shows that of the agents used car- 
bolic acid stands first, and that it was used 13 
not alone but in combination with other 
agents. Glycerine was reported as an in- 
gredient in the next highest number. It 
was also employed in combination with 
other agents. The next in frequency was 
reported to be arsenic, and this agent was 
used also in combination. Chloral hydrate 
and chloride of zinc and bichloride of mer- 
cury come next in the order of use. Alcohol, 
either pure or in combination, carbonate of 
potassium, bicarbonate of sodium, chloride 
of sodium, methyl spirit, formalin, nitrate 
of potassium, brown sugar, boric acid, were 
reported as used in numbers varying from 
four to one. The preservation of subjects 
by cold storage was reported in five in- 
stances. Some of the agents above noted 
were used in combination to preserve the 
subject, which had been kept in cold storage 
after it was placed upon the table for dis- 
section. In one instance the following plan 
was reported: Injection with carbolic acid 
one and a half pints, glycerine six pints, 
with alcohol one and one-half pints. After 
the injection, directions were given to paint 
the subject daily for fourteen days with car- 
bolic acid, one part to glycerine six parts, 
and then place it in an air tight box over a 
pan of methylated spirits. Perfectly satis- 
factory results were reported to have been 
obtained by this method, both as regards 
the character of the tissues and the absence 
of odor. Subject keeps indefinitely. Chlo- 
ride of zinc, a fifty per cent, solution of 
neutral reaction was reported as an agent 
used successfully in preserving subjects, but 
had the objection of unfavorable action on 
the tissues, causing hardness and change in 
color. If subject is not required for imme- 
diate use it was placed in a saturated solu- 14 
tion of salt, forming a strong brine. If im- 
mersed for a long time in the brine the sub- 
ject requires to be soaked in water for a 
period of twenty-four or forty-eight hours, 
in order to soften the tissues. 
A number of formulae were given, among 
them Wickersheim's Formula, consisting of 
three thousand parts of boiling water, one 
hundred and nine parts of alum, twenty- 
five parts of chloride of sodium, twelve 
parts of nitrate of potassium, sixty parts of 
carbonate of potassium, ten parts of arseni- 
ous acid, when cool filter, and to ten parts 
of the liquid thus obtained add one part of 
methylic alcohol and four parts of glycerine. 
Van Vetter's Formula: Seven parts of 
glycerine, one part of brown sugar and one- 
half part of nitrate of potassium. 
Langer's Formula : One hundred parts 
of glycerine, fifteen parts carbolic acid, 
eleven parts of alcohol. 
Empersonne'sFormula: Chloral Hydrate 
five hundred grains, glycerine two and a-half 
litres and distilled water. 
Among the formulae reported, arsenic was 
an ingredient in a large number, and in the 
following combinations: 1. Arsenic (pure) 
eleven and one-half pounds, carbonate of 
potassium twenty-one pounds, crude car- 
bolic acid and glycerine each two pints, 
with distilled water sufficient to make one 
gallon. 2. One pound of arsenic, one pound 
of bicarbonate of soda, one pint of salt, six 
quarts of water. 3. Injection of arseniate 
of potash, mixed in large quantity with 
liquid soap. 4. Arseniate of soda, in sat- 
urated solution, one gallon; carbolic acid, 
eight ounces; glycerine, one-half pint. The 
above formulae afford examples of the use 
of arsenic, either in the form of arsenious 15 
acid, arseniate of potassium, or arseniate of 
sodium. As a rule, it was combined with 
some salt of potash, carbolic acid and glycer- 
ine. In a few instances it was reported as 
being used alone in solution. 
Carbolic acid appears in a large number 
of the formulae reported in use. In most 
instances in combination with arsenic, some 
salt of potash or soda or bichloride of mer- 
cury. In few instances it is reported as 
being used alone. 
Bichloride of mercury is also reported as 
largely used alone or in combination with 
arsenic, salts of potash or soda, carbolic acid 
and glycerine; one formula being one five- 
hundredth solution of bichloride of mer- 
cury in mixture of water, glycerine and al 
cohol; another, a mixture of bichloride oi 
mercury, glycerine, carbolic acid and spirit. 
The bicarbonate of potash, bicarbonate of 
soda, nitrate of potash, as well as the chlor- 
ide of sodium, appeared in a number of the 
combinations employed. They are not re- 
ported as possessing sufficient preservative 
power which would permit them to be used 
alone. 
Glycerine appears to be a favorite agent, 
as it forms a part of a large number of 
formulae. The same may be said in a very 
less degree however, with regard to the use 
of alcohol. 
Formalin is reported in two instances, 
in one of w'hich it was used in connection 
with the preservation of human subjects, 
and another in the preservation of an ani- 
mal. In the latter instance the agent was 
used in the proportion of one part to two 
hundred parts of water. The animal was 
injected with the solution thus prepared 
and the body was placed in a tank with a 16 
large quantity of fluid which was changed 
after a period of one week, then after a 
period of three weeks and strengthened from 
time to time by the addition of a little for- 
malin. Experience obtained in this case was 
that, to make the injection of this agent ef- 
fective, the body should be thoroughly in- 
jected, washing out the blood if possible, and 
if the body is not to be dissected at once it 
should be placed in a receptacle capable of 
being sealed up to prevent the escape of for- 
malin, and to prevent the formation of mould 
it should at all times be covered by the solu- 
tion. The cost of the formalin was stated to 
be $1.65 per pound package for a forty per 
cent, solution. 
5. As to the point in which injections 
were made there were reported two in the 
heart, nineteen in the common carotid 
artery, and six in the common femoral 
artery. As to the condition of the tissues 
after injection but few replies were received 
and these were not satisfactory. With re- 
gard to the time in which material can be 
kept and used in dissection, the replies in- 
clude periods from three weeks to one year. 
Five reported having used or were using 
the method of preservation by cold storage. 
The cost of the plant being from $500 to 
$3,000. 
6. The cost of receiving and preserving 
material is stated to be from $1 to $25 per 
subject. 
7. In fifteen cases the supply of material is 
stated to be sufficient and in fifteen not 
sufficient. In a number it was stated to be 
adequate, but more could be used if obtain- 
able. The number of students were re- 
ported as assigned to each subject to vary 
from four to sixteen. 17 
While the committee feels that the infor- 
mation gathered through the circular letter 
was not in some respects sufficiently specific 
to enable it to arrive at definite conclusions, 
upon the subject under consideration, yet 
it believes that certain statements may be 
made and conclusions deduced which will 
be of value to teachers of anatomy and 
those interested in the collection and pre- 
servation of anatomical material. 
The committee regards it in every way 
as a matter to be most favorably com- 
mented on that out of the 42 replies from 
institutions 30 contained information that 
anatomical material was obtained for the 
purposes of instruction under the provisions 
of the law. An examination of the copies 
of the law which were sent to the chairman 
of the committee shows them to be defec- 
tive in many respects, giving evidence in 
the provisions incorporated in the laws of 
a strong feeling on the part of legislators 
against the enactment of laws controlling 
the disposition of dead human bodies for 
the purpose of dissection. This feeling has 
no doubt its origin in a fear that by so doing 
they will expose themselves to criticism, if 
not to censure, by their constituents. This 
sentiment it believes can be largely changed 
by the influence exerted upon the public 
mind by the members of the medical pro- 
fession. In every community it should be 
the effort of the medical profession to 
educate public opinion upon this point. 
To place before the public the great neces- 
sity which exists for the use of dead human 
bodies in providing the proper instruction 
of students in medicine, and the great pro- 
tection afforded the citizens in each State 
by the enactment of laws which will regu- 18 
late the supply of anatomical material and 
thus afford protection to the dead and pre- 
vent the desecration of their resting places. 
With regard to the protection which a 
properly framed law affords to the com- 
munity, it may be stated that it is within 
the information of the committee and also 
it may be said of the public that the body of 
a member of the family of one of the 
highest oflicers of the land was found in 
the dissecting room of a medical college. 
In the State in which this family resided 
there was at that time no Anatomical Law 
in existence. Since then one has been en- 
acted, and the repetition of such an occur- 
rence as that referred to is not possible 
under its provisions. 
Since the preparation of this report was 
begun it has been reported in the daily 
papers that a physician residing in one of 
the Western States has been convicted for 
the desecration of a grave, by the removal 
of the body which it contained, and which 
was to be used for dissection, and has been 
sentenced to imprisonment for a term of 
three years. In the State in which this oc- 
curred, there is, so far as the committee 
knows, no Law governing the use of dead 
human bodies for the promotion of medical 
science. These instances afford, the com- 
mittee thinks, in a very forcible manner, evi- 
dence of the protection which would be fur- 
nished to both the community and the profes- 
sion by the provisions of a properly framed 
Anatomical Law. Attention has been 
called to the fact that in a number of exist- 
ing laws their provisions on examination 
were found to be defective. In some in- 
stances they were so inadequate as to 
render the execution of the law practically 19 
impossible, and in other cases to make the 
law inoperative. On this point the com- 
mittee feels it proper to express an opinion 
to the effect that the requirements of any 
law which is to be enacted should be made 
compulsory, and not optional, as to perform- 
ance of duty on the part of public officers. 
It thinks that sufficient experience has been 
obtained in the effort to secure compliance 
with the terms of Anatomical Laws to 
make it evident that under such conditions 
only can the proper supply of Anatomical 
material be obtained. In any law enacted 
it also believes that proper protection should 
be afforded the public as well as the profes- 
sion in strict specification as to the right of 
claim for burial. This right should be 
limited to relatives either by blood or mar- 
riage. 
In this way claims made by organizations 
and individuals moved by feelings of 
sentiment would be disposed of. In almost 
all States, if not indeed in all, legal pro- 
visions are in force which control the 
burial of the bodies of certain individuals, 
notably war veterans. 
With regard to any other claims by or- 
ganizations or individuals, it would be 
proper to leave them to the discretion of 
those having charge of the execution of the 
requirements of the law. A spirit of con- 
ciliation and a regard for public sentiment 
should always actuate those concerned in 
the execution of the law, in order, so far as 
possible, that any feelings of antagonism or 
hostility should be removed. As stated 
above, it should be the duty of members of 
the medical profession to educate public 
sentiment and obtain in every State enact- 
ment of a law which will control the use of 20 
dead human bodies for the promotion of 
medical science. At this time of writing 
the daily papers contain an account of the 
action by the Governor of a Western State, 
who has been compelled to call upon the 
military force to protect a medical college, 
which has been threatened by a mob. In 
this case the trouble has been caused by 
the discovering in the dissecting room of the 
college of bodies removed from a cemetery 
adjacent to the city in which the college is 
situated. Here is plainly made manifest 
the necessity of a law to protect both the 
public and the profession. An examination 
of the laws now in force in the States in this 
country leads the committee to the belief 
that the law of the State of Pennsylvania is 
the best, in the fact that it includes in its 
terms all the provisions necessary to compel 
compliance on the part of public officers and 
to protect the citizens of the Commonwealth 
in all of their rights. It is also observed in 
the examination of the laws of other States 
that many of them have been founded upon 
this law, but in no instance have all of the 
provisions of the law been incorporated. 
This is possibly to be expected, as the con- 
ditions existing in each State control the 
actions of the legislative bodies in the fram- 
ing of laws. A copy of the law of the State 
of Pennsylvania is appended to this report, 
and may be examined by the members of 
the Association. 
With regard to the disposition of the re- 
mains left after dissection, the committee 
feels it proper to advise that so far as pos- 
sible they should be decently interred. 
Under any circumstance the committee 
thinks that it is not in keeping with the 
proper sentiment to dispose of them in the 21 
manner in which it is feared it is sometimes 
done. The retention of bones in some in- 
stances for the purposes of study and in- 
struction and for the preparation of articu- 
lated skeletons is necessary and sanctioned. 
With regard to the preservation of an- 
atomical material by the injection of chem- 
ical agents or by cold-storage method, the 
committee feels that the information re- 
ceived is not as specific and comprehensive 
as desired. The agents reported to be in 
use, either alone or in combination, are 
such as are well known to the teachers of 
anatomy. There is apparently no conclu- 
sive evidence that any one of the agents 
alone, or in combination, accomplishes all 
that is desired in the way of the perfect 
preservation of anatomical material. Per- 
fect preservation includes not only freedom 
from decomposition, but the maintenance of 
the tissues in a normal condition as nearly 
as possible, and the existence of these con- 
ditions for such length of time as may be 
necessary in the storage of subjects on one 
hand and the time required for the work of 
actual dissection on the other hand. In 
many institutions it is necessary to collect 
during a period of the year, and that the 
most unfavorable season, so far as temper- 
ature is concerned, a number of subjects 
which shall be kept in a state of preserva- 
tion for a number of months, so that they 
may be, in every respect, suitable for dis- 
section. To accomplish this it is necessary 
to employ an agent which will not only 
prevent decomposition, but also to provide 
some means to so keep the subject that it 
may be maintained in this condition of 
preservation without material change in 
the color or character of the tissues. These 22 
ends are to be obtained, it is also to be ob- 
served, within what may be regarded as a 
reasonable cost. To accomplish the latter 
object it is manifest that one agent should 
be used rather than a combination of agents. 
For instance, the use of arsenious acid or 
bicloride of mercury, both of which are in- 
expensive, will provide a means of preserva- 
tion at no very great cost. When these 
agents, however, are used in combination 
with glycerine, rectified spirits, or methylic 
alcohol, the cost will be materially in- 
creased and the storage of the subjects, 
thus injected, in alcohol or other agent of 
similar character, will add to the expense. 
The committee is not able to say from the 
information received that any of these 
agents will preserve anatomical material 
for a number of months. Undoubtedly solu- 
tions of bicloride of mercury, arsenic or 
carbolic acid, will prevent the occurrence of 
decomposition for a limited period of time, 
sufficient under ordinary circumstances for 
the complete dissection of the subject, but 
no evidence was adduced that thesd agents, 
when injected into a subject which was to 
be stored in a saline solution for a number 
of months, would be effective. The use of 
salts of potassa is advised in a number of 
instances, and, as is well known, they are 
of value in combinations, the effect being 
not only in a slight degree preservative, but 
is also manifest on the color of the tissues. 
The use of arsenic solutions is objected to 
by students on account of the irritation of 
the fingers which is produced. While there 
may be a few instances in which this ob- 
jection becomes a matter of serious impor- 
tance, it may be regarded as of minor im- 
portance in a great majority of cases. The 23 
objection against the use of glycerine is the 
production of mould, which occurs as the 
result of the hygroscopic action. The ex- 
pense attending the use of alcohol is such 
as to forbid its employment in any large 
quantity for injection or storage purposes. 
Formalin is reported as effective as a pre- 
servative and storage agent, but its cost is 
a strong objection against its use. The 
committee believes that the method of 
preservation by means of cold storage is 
the best which could be employed, but the 
question of expense of the introduction of a 
plant necessary for this purpose is a very 
serious one. In cities where more than 
one medical institution is situated, it seems 
feasible to have a central plant in which 
subjects required in all the institutions can 
be stored, with the division of expense made 
amongst those entering into the arrange- 
ment. As to the time in which subjects 
should be injected which are kept in cold 
storage plants, it is desirable that this should 
be done prior to their deposit. They will 
be ready to place at once upon the table, 
and it is believed the injections can be bet- 
ter made before deposit rather than after 
they have remained some time under the 
influence of the cold. 
Reference is made to the use of the so- 
lution of chloride of zinc as a preservative 
agent of value, especially where it is neces- 
sary to collect subjects during the summer 
months, and to keep them in a solution of a 
salt. Solutions of chloride of zinc will, with- 
out doubt, not only prevent but arrest 
decomposition. The bleaching properties 
which it possesses and which it exerts upon 
the tissues is a very serious objection. This 
agent is used largely, if not, altogether in 24 
the medical institutions of Philadelphia, to 
which are supplied each year over seven 
hundred subjects. It is used as an injec- 
tion in the proportion of one-half to one- 
third of a fifty-per cent, of solution of neu- 
tral reaction, a subject of average weight 
requiring from four to six quarts. 
In the replies given as to the cost of the 
reception, preservation and injection of sub- 
jects a wide difference is observed. It is evi- 
dently impossible, unless subjects are trans- 
ported without cost, to reduce the cost per 
subject for reception, injection and preser- 
vation to $1.00 each. Under the provisions 
of a well framed law, it is believed that the 
delivery of subjects should not exceed as an 
average from $5.00 to $8.00, and the injec- 
tion and preservation should be accom- 
plished by an additional expenditure of 
$5.00, making the cost of each when placed 
upon the table about $12.00. 
Less than one-half of the replies received 
as to the supply of anatomical material con- 
tained the statement that the supply was 
adequate. In an equal number the supply 
was stated to be not sufficient and the re- 
maining number reported that more sub- 
jects could be jised if obtainable. The con- 
clusion to be deduced from these statements 
is manifestly to the effect that the supply 
of anatomical material in our medical in- 
stitutions is not as great as it should be. 
The number of students assigned to each 
subject were stated in the replies received 
to vary from four to sixteen. Here again, it 
is to be observed, a wide difference is ex- 
pressed. The number on one hand to be 
too small to obtain the proper economy in 
the use of material, and on the other hand 
too large to secure the full instruction nec- 25 
cessary. It is to be observed that the man- 
ner in which instruction is imparted will 
modify the statements above made. 
CONCLUSIONS. 
1. Anatomical material for the promotion 
of medical science should be obtained wholly 
under legal enactment. The provisions of 
the law should be compulsory upon all offi- 
cers of State and county institutions and 
municipal governments. 
2. Of the anatomical laws which are in 
force in this country, the committee is of the 
opinion that the law of the State of Penn- 
sylvania is the best. It is framed in such 
manner as to provide under a strict execu- 
tion of its requirements anatomical material 
for the promotion of Medical Science and 
prevents the desecration of the resting place 
of the dead. 
3. The committee believes it would con- 
tribute to the best interests of anatomical 
teaching in this country if action was taken 
by this association to secure the enactment 
in every State of a law controlling the col- 
lection and distribution of anatomical ma- 
terial and recommends such action. 
4. The committee finds itself unable, from 
the information which has been received, to 
arrive at any definite conclusions with re- 
gard to the best means for accomplishing 
the preservation of anatomical material for 
the purposes of dissection. Many of the 
agents reported in the communications re- 
ceived have been long in use, and to a 
greater or less degree have been employed 
successfully in securing preservation of an- 
atomical material, but not with all the con- 
ditions which are deemed as essential in 
perfect preservation, and those which afford 26 
the best results in dissection. Preservation 
by means of cold storage it believes to be a 
method which approaches nearest to per- 
fection, and it should be arranged upon 
such a plan as will admit of the retention 
of anatomical material, under the influence 
the low temperature during dissection. 
(Signed.) J. Ewing Mears, 
J. D. Bryant, 
Thomas Dwight. 
November 19, 1895. 
The following amendment to the report 
was adopted: " That Professors of Anatomy 
be requested to inform their students con- 
cerning the laws upon the subject of an- 
atomical material, and request these stu- 
dents to use their influence with the authori- 
ties in their respective places of residence 
to increase the quantity of anatomical ma- 
terial by making available much that is 
now withheld, either from neglect or indif- 
ference." 
ANATOMICAL LAW OF THE STATE OF PENN- 
SYLVANIA, ENACTED JUNE 13, 1883. 
For the promotion of medical science by the dis- 
tribution of and use of unclaimed human 
bodies for scientific purposes through a board 
created for that purpose, and to prevent un- 
authorized uses and traffic in human bodies. 
Section 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and 
House of Representatives of the Commonwealth 
of Pennsylvania, in General Assembly met, and 
it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same: 
That the professors of anatomy, the profes- 
sors of surgery, the demonstrators of anat- 
omy, and the demonstrators of surgery of 
the medical and dental schools and colleges 
of this Commonwealth, which are now or 
may hereafter become incorporated, to- 27 
gether with one representative from each 
of the unincorporated schools of anatomy or 
practical surgery within this Commonwealth 
in which there are, or from time to time at 
the time of the appointment of such repre- 
sentative shall be, not less than twenty-five 
scholars, shall be, and hereby are consti- 
tuted a board, for the distribution and de- 
livery of dead human bodies hereinafter de- 
scribed, to and among such persons as un- 
der the provisions of this Act are entitled 
thereto. The professor of anatomy in the 
University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia 
shall call a meeting of said board for organ- 
ization at a time and place to be fixed by 
him within thirty days after the passage of 
this Act. The said board shall have full 
power to establish rules and regulations for 
its government, and to appoint and remove 
proper officers, and shall keep full and com- 
plete minutes of its transactions, and rec- 
ords shall also be kept under its direction 
of all bodies received and distributed by 
said board, and of the persons to whom the 
same may be distributed, which minutes 
and records shall be open at all times to 
the inspection of each member of said 
board, and of any district attorney of any 
county within this Commonwealth. 
Sec. 2. All public officers, agents, and ser- 
vants, and all officers, agents, and servants of 
any and every county, city, township, bor- 
ough, district, and other municipality, and 
of any and every almshouse, prison, morgue, 
hospital, or any other public institution 
having charge or control over dead human 
bodies required to be buried at the public 
expense, are hereby required to notify the 
said board of distribution, or such person or 
persons as may from time to time be desig- 28 
nated by said board, or its duly authorized 
officer or agent, whenever any such body 
or bodies come into his or their possession, 
charge, or control, and shall, without fee or 
reward, deliver such body or bodies, and 
permit and suffer the said board and its 
agents, and the physicians and surgeons 
from time to time designated by them, who 
may comply with the provisions of this Act, 
to take and remove all such bodies to be 
used within this State for the advancement 
of medical science ; but no such notice need 
be given, nor shall any such body be de- 
livered if any person, claiming to be and 
satisfying the authorities in charge of said 
body that he or she is of kindred or is re- 
lated by marriage to the deceased, shall 
claim the said body for burial, but it shall 
be surrendered for interment, nor shall the 
notice be given or body be delivered if such 
deceased person was a traveller who died 
suddenly, in which case the said body shall 
be buried. 
Sec. 3. The said board, or their duly au- 
thorized agent, may take and receive such 
bodies so delivered as aforesaid, and shall, 
upon receiving them, distribute and de- 
liver them to and among the schools, col- 
leges, physicians and surgeons aforesaid in 
manner following: Those bodies needed 
for lectures and demonstrations by the said 
schools and colleges, incorporated and un- 
incorporated, shall first be supplied, the re- 
maining bodies shall then be distributed 
proportionately and equitably, preference 
being given to said schools and colleges, 
the number assigned to each to be based 
upon the number of students in each dis- 
secting or operative surgery class, which 
number shall be reported to the board at 29 
such times as it may direct. Instead of 
receiving and delivering said bodies them- 
selves, or through their agents or servants, 
the board of distribution may from time to 
time, either directly, or by their authorized 
officer or agent, designate physicians and 
surgeons who shall receive them, and the 
number which each shall receive. Pro- 
vided always, however, that schools and 
colleges, incorporated and unincorporated, 
and physicians or surgeons of the county 
where the death of the person, or such per- 
son described, takes place shall be preferred 
to all others. And provided, also, that for 
this purpose such dead body shall be held 
subject to their order in the county where 
the death occurs for a period not less than 
twenty-four hours. 
Sec. 4. The said board may employ a 
carrier or carriers for the conveyance of 
said bodies, which shall be well enclosed 
within a suitable encasement, and carefully 
deposited free from public observation. 
Said carrier shall obtain receipts by name, 
or, if the person be unknown, by a descrip- 
tion, for each body delivered by him, and 
shall deposit said receipt with the secretary 
of the said board. 
Sec. 5. No school, college, physician, or 
surgeon shall be allowed or permitted to 
receive any such body or bodies until a 
bond shall have been given to the Common- 
wealth by such physician or surgeon, or by 
or in behalf of such school or college, to be 
approved by the Prothonotary of the Court 
of Common Pleas in and for the county in 
which such physician or surgeon shall re- 
side, or in which such school or college may 
be situate, and to be filed in the office of 
said Prothonotary, which bond shall be in 30 
the penal sum of one thousand dollars, con- 
ditioned that all such bodies which the said 
physician or surgeon, or the said school or 
college, shall receive thereafter shall be 
used only for the promotion of medical sci- 
ence within the State; and whosoever shall 
sell or buy such body or bodies, or in any 
way traffic in the same, or shall transmit, 
or convey, or cause to procure to be trans- 
mitted or conveyed said body or bodies to 
any place outside of this State shall be 
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall, 
on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceed- 
ing two hundred dollars, or be imprisoned 
for a term not exceeding one year. 
Sec. 6. Neither the Commonwealth, nor 
any county or municipality, nor any officer, 
agent, or servant thereof, shall be at any 
expense by reason of the delivery or distri- 
bution of any such body, but all the ex- 
penses thereof, and of said board of distri- 
bution, shall be paid by those receiving the 
bodies, in such manner as may be specified 
by said board of distribution, or otherwise 
agreed upon. 
Sec. 7. That any person having duties 
enjoined upon him by the provisions of this 
Act, who shall neglect, refuse, or omit to 
perform the same as hereby required, shall, 
on conviction thereof, be liable to fine of 
not less than one hundred nor more than 
five hundred dollars, for each offence. 
Sec. 8. That all Acts or parts of Acts in- 
consistent with this Act be and the same 
are hereby repealed. 
Philadelphia, January 1, 1889. 
In accordance with the requirements of 
the above law the Anatomical Board of the 
State of Pennsylvania was organized July, 31 
1883, for the purpose of carrying it into 
execution. The attention of all State, 
county and municipal officers charged with 
duties under the law is directed to its re- 
quirements. Boxes containing bodies should 
be addressed to George Willie, Philadel- 
phia, and should be delivered to the agent 
of the express company at the station 
nearest to the place from which the body is 
sent. The charges paid by the Board for 
transportion to the railroad station vary 
from $1.00 to $2.50 in accordance with the 
distance. These charges will be paid by 
the agent of the express company, and col- 
lected from the Board by the agent in Phil- 
adelphia.