Jeremy Bentham Dissection at the Webb School of Anatomy

‘Mr Bentham lived for another four years. When Mr Loudon next encountered his friend, he was on a cold stone slab, awaiting dissection.’ This is a quote from The Claudians: gardens, landscapes, reason and faith: John Claudius Loudon and Claudius Buchanan, Tom Turner (Kindle, 2024). 

Exploring the Webb Street School of Anatomy’s Influence on 19th-Century Medicine

The Webb School was a private anatomy school located in London, England, from 1819 to 1842. It played a significant role in the development of medical education in the early 19th century, offering affordable anatomy instruction to aspiring surgeons and physicians at a time when traditional university access was limited.

Bentham’s Legacy in Medical Science

Jeremy Bentham’s connection to the Webb Street School of Anatomy underscores his commitment to utilitarian principles even after death. By donating his body for dissection, Bentham aimed to advance medical knowledge and challenge societal norms regarding the treatment of the dead. His contribution not only influenced the medical practices of the time but also sparked discussions on ethics in medicine, paving the way for modern anatomical research and education. Bentham’s presence at the Webb Street School highlights the school’s significance in fostering innovation and reform in the medical field.