Doctor Knox lecturer of anatomy

Category

Library Item

Item no

4085

Title

Doctor Knox lecturer of anatomy

Description

A man is standing with his right arm outstretched. He is wearing a coat, trousers and a necktie. His left hand is leaning on a table. There is a trellis to the right and left of the view.

Artist / maker

Hill, David Octavius

Date

1845

Size

15.4 x 11.4 cm

Type

Salted paper print

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Dr Robert Knox was born in Edinburgh in 1791. He studied medicine at Edinburgh University and went on to serve as an army surgeon in Belgium and southern Africa. Following a short period in Paris he returned to Edinburgh and was employed at the city's school of anatomy. Following the death of John Barclay in 1826 he became the school's principal. Only two years after this he became embroiled in the infamous Burke and Hare case, having paid the pair for their recently murdered corpses. It was never proven that he did so knowingly, but despite this Knox's reputation suffered irreparable damage. Employment became somewhat elusive in the subsequent decades as a result. He ultimately took up medical practice in London, and died in Hackney in 1862.

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Related subjects

Clothing and dress > Accessories > Neckties

Clothing and dress > Garments > Coats

Clothing and dress > Garments > Trousers

People > Adults > Men

Rooms and spaces > Furniture > Tables

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