CHRONOLOGICAL HIGHLIGHTS ON HUMAN DISSECTION 271 



importance of anatomy in the medical curriculum, it has been 

 suggested by certain critics that it is not a cultural subject, that 

 such topics as human individuality, growth, the aging process, 

 the endocrines and heredity should be considered at the expense 

 of human dissection. 



Because of standards imposed particularly during the first 

 part of this century, the number of medical schools has been cut 

 in half. Nevertheless, the number of freshman students has 

 doubled and there has been an increase from an average of 

 thirty-two per class in 1915 to ninety-four in 1955. It is estimated 

 that about 5,000 cadavers annually are now needed to supply all 

 those required to study anatomy in the United States. 



Only in rare instances, have state anatomical laws been able 

 to take care of the over-all demand for human cadavers. There is 

 a wide variation in their make-up. The factors which influence 

 a favorable supply are an adequate anatomical code, density of 

 )opulation and a poor economic condition. Those militating 

 igainst a suitable quantity are prosperity in the economic status, 

 increasing social welfare burials, legislation for old-age assistance, 

 burial insurance, increased post-mortem examinations by path- 

 ologists, and laws which are very lenient in regarding claimants 

 and in giving exemptions so that low priority is given to anat- 

 omical teaching. 



In general, it can be said that cadaver supply to professional 

 institutions in the United States has become an acute problem. 

 It may be that it is not the people at large who are deeply opposed 

 to anatomists utilizing the bodies of unclaimed dead for the 

 promotion of anatomical science. By publicity, some medical in- 

 stitutions have carried their problems directly to the laymen with 

 considerable success in obtaining willed bodies. 



In respect to the historical problem of cadaver supply, there 

 is no question but what there has been a constant struggle be- 

 tween two opposing groups, the health profession, forming a 

 minority, on the one hand, and the sentiments of the great non- 

 medical populace, on the other. Rationalizing and discussions 

 across the table have not been responsible, perhaps, for any 

 radical changes in the anatomical laws of most countries. Rather, 

 progress, has been accomplished more on an emotional basis. 



