Examining Dissection

Barron H. Lerner at Slate reviews Dissection, a new book that includes dozens of images of medical students (19th and early 20th century) posing with cadavers. Though many of the photos are shocking and disturbing (not surprisingly, there’s some blatant racism from that period), there’s something comforting about the frankness and almost comedic approach to anatomy. Lerner makes the point that many readers might find the photos insulting and apology-worthy, but for my dollar, I’m hoping my medical professionals have no holy illusions or unreasonably sacred delusions about my bones.