Catalogue description Records of the Anatomy Inspectorate

The Anatomy Act 1832 (amended in 1871) was intended to end the illegal methods previously employed to procure bodies for medical research. Inspectors of Schools of Anatomy were appointed to ensure that bodies were lawfully acquired and the Secretary of State for the Home Department was authorised to grant licences to Physicians and Surgeons to practise anatomy. In 1832 a single inspector was appointed to carry out these duties in England, Wales and Scotland, with the aid of assistants. In 1842 the single inspector was replaced by two joint inspectors for England and Wales and a separate inspector for Scotland with an office in Edinburgh.

In 1887 ministerial responsibility for the administration of the Acts in Scotland was transferred to the Secretary for Scotland, and. A separate establishment for Ireland under the direction of the Chief Secretary for Ireland existed from 1832.

The joint inspectors for England and Wales had special responsibility for the Metropolitan area and the Provinces, respectively. They shared an office in London known as the Anatomy Office, which functioned as a sub department of the Home Office. In 1920 the powers and duties of the Home Secretary were transferred to the Minister of Health and the Anatomy Office was absorbed within the Ministry of Health. After 1920 there was again a single Inspector of Anatomy, a post which was filled by one of the Medical Officers of the Ministry.