The Anatomy Act 1832

The Anatomy Act of 1832 was a UK law that addressed the shortage of human bodies available for medical study. Before this act, body snatching was common, as only a limited number of bodies were legally permitted for anatomical research. The law allowed for unclaimed bodies, particularly those of the poor or deceased in workhouses, to be used for dissection and medical education. This helped improve medical knowledge and practice while also aiming to reduce crime associated with body theft. The act thus played a crucial role in advancing anatomy and public health in the 19th century.