Podcast Summary
Exploring Opportunities for Growth: Cards, Education, and Comedy Festivals: Explore personal and professional growth through credit cards, education, and comedy festivals. Earn college credits for past experiences, attend comedy events, and enjoy unlimited miles with the Capital One Venture X Card.
There are opportunities for personal and professional growth, whether it's through earning college credits for past experiences or attending comedy festivals. The Capital One Venture X Card offers unlimited 2X miles on every purchase and premium travel benefits, while Purdue Global allows individuals to earn college credits for their work, school, life, or military experiences. Meanwhile, the SF Sketchfest in January is a great comedy event with limited tickets selling out fast. Additionally, there's a long and intriguing history behind grave robbing, as explored in the Stuff You Should Know podcast. Whether you're looking to travel, further your education, or simply learn something new, there are various ways to make the most of your time and resources.
The Shift in Medical Knowledge: From Barbers and Surgeons to Anatomists: During the 16th century, the monopoly on cadavers was granted to barbers and surgeons, leading to a shift in medical knowledge from the theory of humors to the exploration of the human body through anatomical studies.
The history of medicine involves a significant shift in who was responsible for understanding the human body. During the mid-16th century and before, barbers and surgeons, along with apothecaries and witches, were the primary practitioners. They believed in the theory of the four humors, which included blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile. This theory, first proposed by Galen in the first century CE, was accepted for over 1,400 years. However, as doubts arose about the accuracy of this theory, the need for more bodies for research became apparent. In 1540, King Henry VIII granted the monopoly on cadavers to barbers and surgeons, marking a significant turning point in the advancement of medicine. This period, often referred to as the "Golden Age of Grave Robbing," allowed for the exploration of the human body and the eventual discovery of new medical knowledge.
The Importance of Bodies in Early Medical Education: Early medical education relied on questionable sources for bodies, including executed murderers and grave robbings, to advance knowledge and establish medical schools.
The early study of human anatomy relied heavily on bodies obtained through questionable means, including the Murder Act, which allowed for the dissections of convicted murderers after their execution. This supply of bodies was crucial for the advancement of medical knowledge during this time, as medical schools were just beginning to be established and students were required to provide their own bodies for study. The practice of grave robbing, previously done for valuables, shifted to obtaining bodies for anatomical study due to the newfound value of cadavers. This period marked a significant turning point in the history of medical education.
London's illegal corpse trade in the 18th and 19th centuries: Due to lack of refrigeration and embalming, a macabre trade in stolen corpses emerged in London for scientific research, leading to the formation of criminal gangs like the London Burglar Gang and the notorious 'Corpse King'.
During the late 18th and early 19th centuries in London, the demand for bodies for scientific research led to a macabre and illegal trade in stolen corpses. This was due to the lack of refrigeration and embalming techniques, causing bodies to decompose quickly. The students and surgeons found themselves in a predicament, leading to the recruitment of criminals to steal bodies from graves. This resulted in the emergence of gangs like the London Burglar Gang, with figures like Ben Crouch, who became known as the "Corpse King." Despite Crouch's success and retirement, the trade continued under new leadership. This dark chapter in history highlights the intersection of scientific curiosity, social norms, and organized crime.
Body Snatching in Europe and the US during the 18th and 19th centuries: During the 18th and 19th centuries, body snatching was rampant, with bodies stolen from graveyards for dissection. This immoral and often illegal practice primarily affected marginalized communities until it began impacting white communities.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, body snatching was a widespread problem, particularly in Europe and the United States. Bodies were stolen from graveyards, often from marginalized communities, to be sold to medical schools for dissection. This practice, which was morally questionable and sometimes illegal, was largely ignored by the white establishment until it began affecting their own communities. One infamous body snatcher was a man named Murphy, who went to great lengths to sell bodies to hospitals, even stealing them back after they had been sold. He was particularly underhanded, engaging in deceitful tactics like selling the same body to multiple hospitals before it could be dissected. Another example of this was the Medical College of Georgia, where a slave named Grandson Harris was tasked with digging up graves and delivering bodies. Despite it being illegal to teach a slave to read, the medical college did so because Harris was good at his job. Body snatching was a lucrative business, and those involved often went to great lengths to avoid detection. They would dig up graves at night using wooden shovels to minimize noise and avoid detection. Despite the illegality and immorality of the practice, it continued for many years, affecting primarily marginalized communities until it began impacting white communities.
Grave robbing for medical research during the 18th and 19th centuries: Grave robbing was a common practice during the 18th and 19th centuries for medical research and anatomical studies. Grave robbers dug up bodies, often leaving the headstone and upper third untouched, and sold them to institutions or individuals. Despite the morbid nature, there was a deep respect for the dead bodies, and they were still buried properly.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, grave robbing was a common practice, particularly in rural areas and hospitals, due to the demand for bodies for medical research and anatomical studies. Grave robbers, also known as resurrectionists, would dig up bodies, often leaving the headstone and upper third of the grave untouched to avoid detection. They would dig down to the casket, remove the body, and sell it to institutions or individuals for research or study. In some cases, they would even memorize the floral arrangements to ensure an accurate reburial. The bodies were often taken without the knowledge or consent of the families, who believed they were handing the bodies over for proper burial. The practice was so prevalent that some grave robbers even went door-to-door pretending to be family members to take bodies directly from the grieving families. Despite the morbid nature of the practice, there was a deep respect for the dead bodies, and institutions would still bury them properly even if they had been dug up and sold. Some grave robbers, such as Murphy and Crouch, were able to make significant fortunes from the trade.
Historical use of stolen bodies in surgery and anatomy: Remember the historical context of body discoveries, not just focus on serial killers. Social media safety, Zigazoo for kids, and financial planning with Betterment were also discussed.
The history of surgery and anatomy involved the use of stolen bodies, and the remains were often mass-buried. This was a common practice in the past, but it's often forgotten in modern times. Instead, the focus is on serial killers when such discoveries are made. However, it's essential to remember the historical context. Meanwhile, in a lighter vein, a discussion about social media safety and fun led to the introduction of Zigazoo, a social media platform designed specifically for kids. It's a safe space where children can upload their content, interact with friends, and engage in various activities without the risks associated with traditional social media platforms. Lastly, a message about financial planning and Betterment, an automated investing and savings app, emphasized the importance of making your money work for you while you relax and enjoy your free time.
Historical instances of grave robberies and body snatching: Throughout history, grave robberies and body snatching have occurred, often targeting marginalized communities, and could lead to violent reactions when it affected the powerful or those close to them.
Throughout history, there have been instances of grave robberies and body snatching, often targeting marginalized communities or those without proper burial plots. One famous example is from the movie "Monty Python and the Holy Grail," where a character encourages looking at bones instead of stealing entire skeletons. Another notable event was the Doctors Riot of New York in 1788, where a crowd of 5,000 people rioted after discovering a hospital with bodies being used for medical study. The riot, fueled by anger and fear, resulted in the deaths of 20 people and the destruction of medical facilities. Despite the disturbing nature of these events, they were often overlooked as long as they affected the marginalized or powerless. However, when it hit closer to home for someone, as in the case of the riot, the consequences could be devastating.
Innovations to prevent grave robbing during the Georgian period: People came up with creative methods like staggered sticks, mort stones, and mausoleums called Mort Houses to protect their loved ones' graves during the Georgian period. However, these methods were not foolproof and grave robbers found ways around them.
During the Georgian period in the United States, grave robbing was a significant issue, leading people to take matters into their own hands to protect their loved ones' graves. They came up with various methods such as staggering sticks, mort stones, and even mausoleums called Mort Houses. However, these methods were not foolproof as grave robbers found ways around them. The discussion also mentioned a few notable instances of grave robberies, such as the attempted robbery of Miss Betty and Henry Brazil's grave in 2013. In essence, the Georgian period was a time of innovation and invention in response to the prevalent issue of grave robbing.
Grave robbing in Scotland's Golden Age: During Scotland's Golden Age of Grave Robbing, some robbers took the next step and murdered people to sell their bodies, a practice known as resurrectionism, despite the risks of being caught and facing the death penalty.
During the historical period known as the Golden Age of Grave Robbing in Scotland, the risk of being shot, tripped by grave guns, or even blown up by torpedoes was not enough to deter grave robbers. Some enterprising individuals, like William Burke and William Hare, decided to take the next step and murder people to sell their bodies instead of risking the dangers of grave robbery. This grim practice, known as "resurrectionism," was a lucrative business, but it came with its own set of risks, including being caught and facing the death penalty. The lengths to which people went to protect their loved ones' graves and the creative methods used by grave robbers make for a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Burke and Hare's Illegal Body Sales to Dr. Knox: Burke and Hare, inspired by financial need, sold bodies to Dr. Knox for dissection, starting with Old Donald, and continued the practice until their capture and execution.
Burke and Hare, who ran a boarding house in Edinburgh during the 1820s, sold bodies to a surgeon named Dr. Robert Knox for dissection. Old Donald, a resident of the boarding house, was the first victim. Burke and Hare killed him and sold his body to Dr. Knox, who paid them well for it. They continued this grisly practice, earning a reputation as murderers and inspiring the term "Burking" for their method of murder. Dr. Robert Knox, a surgeon with a creepy demeanor, became the infamous "mad scientist" archetype due to his involvement in the illegal body trade. The duo's heinous actions resulted in their eventual capture and execution.
The Burke and Hare duo's crimes go unnoticed until they target well-known individuals: Their greed and suspicion towards each other ultimately led to their capture, not the discovery of their crimes.
The infamous Burke and Hare duo in Edinburgh during the 19th century killed and sold bodies to medical schools, using various tactics to lure their victims and involve their girlfriends. Their actions went unnoticed for a while until they became greedy and started targeting more well-known individuals in town. However, their downfall came not from the discovery of their crimes, but from their increasing carelessness and suspicion towards each other. One particularly recognizable victim was a beloved local figure named Jamie, who was known for his counting skills and was well-loved by the community. When Jamie ended up on Dr. Knox's table, his colleagues raised suspicions, but it was the duo's own actions that ultimately led to their capture.
The Futility of Hiding Heinous Acts: The case of Burke and Hare highlights the importance of upholding the law and the futility of trying to hide heinous acts. Parents should also prioritize their children's safety online by using kid-friendly social media platforms like Zigazoo.
The duo of Burke and Hare, who killed people for money and disguised it as selling bodies for medical research, were not very good at covering up their crimes. Despite their attempts to bribe and intimidate those who discovered their secrets, they were eventually caught and faced severe consequences. This case serves as a reminder of the futility of trying to hide heinous acts and the importance of upholding the law. Moreover, the discussion also touched upon the topic of social media safety for kids. Zigazoo, a social network designed specifically for kids, was introduced as a platform that prioritizes data safety and offers a space for kids to share their creations without the fear of mean comments or messages. It is important for parents to carefully consider the platforms their children use and ensure that they are safe and age-appropriate. Finally, the hosts, Ann Thompson and Ryan Latonsio, invited listeners to tune in to their weekly screen talk podcast on IndieWire for in-depth discussions on the latest film and TV industry news.
London's Body Snatching Problem and the Anatomy Act of 1832: During the early 1800s, a grave robbing issue led to anatomy murders. Surgeon Thomas Wakefield raised awareness, but surgeons needed bodies for research. Parliament intervened, offering immunity to witnesses and passing the Anatomy Act of 1832, ending the black market for cadavers and ensuring ethical research.
During the early 1800s in London, there was a grave robbing and body snatching issue, leading to anatomy murders. A surgeon and Lancet publisher named Thomas Wakefield raised awareness about this issue, but surgeons, who needed bodies for research, were in a difficult position. The public was horrified when they discovered the Birker Trio, who killed people to sell their bodies. This led to public outrage and Parliament's involvement. Parliament held hearings, offered immunity to witnesses, and eventually passed the Anatomy Act of 1832, which provided legitimate bodies for research and ended the black market for cadavers. This historical event highlights the ethical dilemmas surrounding medical research and the importance of law and societal progress.
The Anatomy Act of 1832 Changed Perception of Dissection: The Anatomy Act of 1832 legitimized the use of cadavers for scientific research, shifting societal perception and leading to a significant increase in donated cadavers for medical advancements, but it also perpetuated the issue of grave robbing.
The Anatomy Act of 1832 in the United Kingdom was a significant turning point in the acceptance of dissection by the public. Previously, the idea of being dissected was met with fear and stigma, as it was seen as a punishment and a desecration of the body. However, the Anatomy Act governmentally recognized and legitimized the use of cadavers for scientific research, shifting the societal perception. Unfortunately, this burden of supplying cadavers was placed on the poor, perpetuating the issue of grave robbing. Despite this criticism, the Anatomy Act led to a significant increase in the number of donated cadavers for medical research in the UK, paving the way for scientific and medical advancements. The acceptance of dissection by the public took time, but by the late 19th century, it began to be seen as a valuable contribution to science and medicine. However, the issue of grave robbing persisted, with instances of robbed graves continuing even in modern times, including the infamous theft of Charlie Chaplin's body in 1978.
Grave Robberies and Unusual Security Measures: Throughout history, some have tried to steal or disturb famous graves, leading to reburials, unusual security measures, and reminders of the importance of respecting the deceased's final resting place.
Throughout history, there have been various attempts to steal or disturb famous graves, leading to reburials and unusual security measures. For instance, Charlie Chaplin's body was stolen and reburied with seven to eight feet of cement on top. Abraham Lincoln's grave was targeted by robbers who were thwarted by a rat and the Keystone Cops. More recently, Gladys Hammond was stolen and held for ransom to stop a family from selling guinea pigs for medical research. Despite these efforts, not all stolen bodies were returned, such as Gladys Hammond's, which was never found. These incidents serve as a reminder of the lengths people will go to protect the remains of the deceased and the importance of respecting their final resting place.
The pursuit of knowledge and ethical dilemmas: During the vernology movement, people went to extreme lengths to understand the connection between physical attributes and intellectual abilities, leading to the theft and examination of Joseph Haydn's skull and ethical dilemmas.
The obsession with understanding the connection between a person's physical attributes and their intellectual abilities led to the theft and examination of the skull of famous composer Joseph Haydn during the vernology movement. The skull was eventually hidden by one of Haydn's friends, but when the body was moved for reburial decades later, the skull was discovered and replaced with a fake one. The real skull was eventually found and reburied, but both skulls remain in Haydn's grave to this day. This story serves as a reminder of the lengths people have gone to in the pursuit of knowledge and the ethical dilemmas that can arise from it.
Exploring Creativity and Learning on Safe Platforms: Kids can express creativity and connect on Zigazoo while filmmakers gain insights from industry experts on The Toolkit Podcast, both providing opportunities for growth and skill development.
There are safe and educational platforms like Zigazoo for kids to express their creativity and connect with like-minded peers. Sarah's spring break vlog on Zigazoo showcased her talent and the positive aspects of social media. Meanwhile, The Toolkit Podcast offers valuable insights for filmmakers, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of industry greats like Tarantino, Gerwig, Scorsese, and Jordan Peele. These resources offer structure and freedom for individuals to grow and improve in their respective fields. Whether it's through creating content on Zigazoo or learning from industry experts on The Toolkit Podcast, there are plenty of opportunities to expand your horizons and hone your skills.
