The Resurrectionists

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A collection of broadsides, ballads, pamphlets, prints, and more concerning the body-snatchers and murderers William Burke and William Hare, their accomplices, and their victims.

At the beginning of the nineteenth century, intense anatomical study, with direct observation of dissection of human cadavers, was an integral part of medical training at Europe's leading medical schools. Educating doctors produced a demand for human bodies that quickly outstripped the supply. In the United Kingdom prior to 1832, where executed criminals were the primary legitimate source for cadavers, a bustling trade in bodies developed, with grave robbers, or "Resurrection Men," supplying the anatomists with illegal, but much-needed specimens.

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24. Hare's dream! : describing the apparitions of Burke and others, which appeared to him while in the Calton Jail
24. Hare's dream! : describing the apparitions of Burke and others, which appeared to him while in the Calton Jail
Ballad, cut and mounted.
25. A timely hint to anatomical practitioners, and their associates--the Resurrectionists : a new song--tune, Macpherson's farewell
25. A timely hint to anatomical practitioners, and their associates--the Resurrectionists : a new song--tune, Macpherson's farewell
Ballad illustrated with a portrait of Dr. Robert Knox.
26. Authentic confessions of William Burk, who was executed at Edinburgh, on 28th January 1829, for murder, emited before the sheriff-substitute of Edinburgh, the Rev. Mr Reid, Catholic priest, and others, in the jail, on 3d and 22d January
26. Authentic confessions of William Burk, who was executed at Edinburgh, on 28th January 1829, for murder, emited before the sheriff-substitute of Edinburgh, the Rev. Mr Reid, Catholic priest, and others, in the jail, on 3d and 22d January
Disbound pamphlet. Illustrated. Portrait of William Burke appears on the title page. An illustration of Daft Jamie appears on page 7.
27. An account of William Burke, who was executed at Edinburgh, on Wednesday the 28th day of January, 1829, for murder : with the confession he made while under sentence of death
27. An account of William Burke, who was executed at Edinburgh, on Wednesday the 28th day of January, 1829, for murder : with the confession he made while under sentence of death
Tract printed on laid paper. Disbound and mounted. Illustrated title page. At head of title: Cheap tracts, no. 16.
28. Riot at Dumfries! Hare's arrival : a full and particular account of the reception of William Hare, one of the West Port murderers, at Dumfries, on Friday morning last, on his way to Ireland!
28. Riot at Dumfries! Hare's arrival : a full and particular account of the reception of William Hare, one of the West Port murderers, at Dumfries, on Friday morning last, on his way to Ireland!
Cut in two and mounted.
29. West Port murders
29. West Port murders
Disbound and mounted.
30. Two woodcuts and nine engravings
30. Two woodcuts and nine engravings
31. West Port murders; or, an authentic account...
31. West Port murders; or, an authentic account...
32. Phrenological observations on the cerebral development of William Burke, executed for murder at Edinburgh, on 28th January, 1829, and on the development of William Hare, his accomplice
32. Phrenological observations on the cerebral development of William Burke, executed for murder at Edinburgh, on 28th January, 1829, and on the development of William Hare, his accomplice
Article from The Phrenological Journal and Miscellany, v.5 (May 1828-April 1829), pages 549-572
33. Observations on the phrenological development of Burke, Hare, and other atrocious murderers
33. Observations on the phrenological development of Burke, Hare, and other atrocious murderers
34. Answer to "Observations on the phrenological development of Burke, Hare, and other atrocious murderers, &c. By Thomas Stone, Esq.," &c.
34. Answer to "Observations on the phrenological development of Burke, Hare, and other atrocious murderers, &c. By Thomas Stone, Esq.," &c.
35. A rejoinder to the answer of George Combe, esq. to "observations on the phrenological development of Burke, Hare, and other atrocious murderers."
35. A rejoinder to the answer of George Combe, esq. to "observations on the phrenological development of Burke, Hare, and other atrocious murderers."

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