Index to Anatomy Registers in Scotland

Search the Index to Scottish Anatomy Registers

The supply of bodies for dissection by anatomists and medical students was regulated by the Anatomy Act of 1832. From 1842, the Inspector maintained registers of bodies supplied to the medical schools around Scotland.

The registers start in 1842, and continue up to 1949. They generally provide the following information:

• name
• age and sex
• last residence
• date and place of death
• cause of death, and by whom certified
• time of removal
• place to which removed (i.e. the institution) and teacher
• date and time which the body was received
• from whom the body was received
• date and place of burial

If you are lucky enough to find an ancestor in the index you will see their date of death and age as well as location of death. You can then order a copy of the record.