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At the time, most bodies worked on by anatomists were cold…

“At the time, most bodies worked on by anatomists were cold indeed. They were brought to Edinburgh from all over Britain -- some came by way of the Union Canal. The resurrectionists -- body-snatchers -- pickled them in whisky for transportation. It was a lucrative trade." "But did the whisky get…” quote by Ian Rankin
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““At the time, most bodies worked on by anatomists were cold indeed. They were brought to Edinburgh from all over Britain -- some came by way of the Union Canal. The resurrectionists -- body-snatchers -- pickled them in whisky for transportation. It was a lucrative trade." "But did the whisky get drunk afterwards?" Devlin chuckled. "Economics would dictate that it did.””

Ian Rankin

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Historical body‑snatching involved using whisky for preservation and transport, highlighting macabre commerce.

In simple terms: Body‑snatchers used whisky to preserve corpses.

Key Takeaway

Remember ethical limits in scientific pursuit.

Themes

history ethics science mortuary practices

Mood

thoughtful historical

Type

educational informative

When to use this quote

  • museum curation
  • forensic studies
  • ethical debates

Key Concepts

economics morality medical history

Questions to Reflect On

  • What ethical safeguards exist today?
  • How does profit influence scientific methods?
A Different Perspective

Romanticizing past crimes can mislead.

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