Anatomy of a Myth: Debunking Burke and Hare with Cat Irving

Prepare to delve into the macabre and the misunderstood with this week's riveting episode of History Rage. Hosts Paul Bavill and Kyle Glover welcome Cat Irving, the conservator of human remains at the Surgeons' Hall Museum in Edinburgh, to dispel myths about Burke and Hare and share the fascinating intricacies of her unique profession.

Meet the Conservator:

- Cat Irving introduces us to her role at the Surgeons' Hall Museum, detailing the meticulous care required to preserve historical human remains, from entire skeletons to the tiniest ear ossicles.

Debunking the Burke and Hare Myth:

- Cat fiercely challenges the persistent myth that notorious murderers Burke and Hare were body snatchers, setting the record straight on their true crimes and the historical context of their actions.

The Horror of Body Snatching:

- Explore why the notion of body snatching strikes a particular horror into people's hearts, and how this fear has been perpetuated through media and folklore.

The Morality of Dissection:

- Cat discusses the moral complexities surrounding body snatching and the Anatomy Act of 1832, which shifted the source of bodies for dissection to the poorest members of society.

Preserving the Past:

- Gain insight into the day-to-day logistics of maintaining a vast collection of human remains, the ethical considerations involved, and the importance of respecting and honouring these historical individuals.

Future Exhibitions:

- Discover what's next for the Surgeons' Hall Museum, including the opening of the new gallery 'Body Voyager' and the temporary exhibition 'A Model Education,' focusing on surgical robotics and anatomical models.

Join us for a journey through the eerie corridors of history as we uncover the truths behind the myths and pay homage to the lives preserved in the Surgeons' Hall Museum. For more about Cat's work, follow her on Twitter @anatomicalcat and check out her upcoming online talk for the London Month of the Dead.

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