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A bite into the history of the autopsy

From ancient roots to modern decay

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Abstract

The autopsy has had a checkered history, much of which has been surrounded by controversy. The roots of human dissection are found in the ancient world where rumors flourished that the prosectors of the day were engaged in vivisection as well as dissection. Bound up with the prevailing religious and political systems of the day, the autopsy has alternately been prohibited and encouraged, used to explore the nature of disease, and conceal questionable political policy. This review explores the history of the autopsy from its ancient roots in Egypt, Mesopotamia, Alexandria, and the Far East through the dark ages to medieval times and beyond into the renaissance. The development of the autopsy in Europe during the 17th to 19th centuries is discussed before briefly considering the decline of this diagnostic tool in the 20th century.

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  1. Academic Unit of Pathology E-Floor, University of Sheffield Medical School, Beech Hill Road, S10 2RX, Sheffield, UK

    Julian L. Burton

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Correspondence to Julian L. Burton.

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Burton, J.L. A bite into the history of the autopsy. Forens Sci Med Pathol 1, 277–284 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1385/FSMP:1:4:277

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