The anatomy school of William Hewson at 36 Craven Street (1772-1778) - an investigation into the day to day running of an anatomy school and the life of an anatomist prior to the 1832 anatomy act. (360G-Wellcome-083396_Z_07_Z)

The project will combine documentary research with an investigation of objects and specimens found at the Craven Street site and preserved in museums. Documentary evidence will elucidate the scientific and intellectual context of the school, the training, life and social position of its proprietor, the role of such schools in the provision of medical training, their physical design and activities. It will also examine the contrast between the respectable public life of anatomists and their necessary dealings with the underworld for provision of working material. Research on museum objects and excavated remains will focus on the nature of human and animal bodies used in the work, the procedures and equipment employed, the relationship between finished museum specimens and waste material, and the evidence provided for preparation of specimens for microscopy. One of the most important aspects will be combining the evidence of published scientific papers, correspondence and teaching notes with the physical remains of work at the school. For example published accounts of dissection and surgery can be matched with instruments and specimens in museums, and with cut marks on the archaeological specimens to provide a detailed account of the sequence of events in preparation.