Acres of Skin

Cover of Acres of Skin

Acres of Skin is a book by Allen M. Hornblum that explores the history of unethical medical experimentation on prisoners in the United States, particularly focusing on the Holmesburg Prison experiments conducted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The book was published in 1998 and has since been a significant work in the field of medical ethics and human rights.

Background

The title Acres of Skin is derived from a phrase used by Dr. Albert Kligman, a dermatologist who conducted numerous experiments on inmates at Holmesburg Prison. Kligman reportedly referred to the prisoners' skin as "acres of skin," highlighting the dehumanizing view of the inmates as mere subjects for experimentation.

Holmesburg Prison Experiments

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Holmesburg Prison, where the experiments took place

The Holmesburg Prison experiments took place from the 1950s to the 1970s. These experiments were primarily dermatological and involved testing various substances on the skin of inmates. The substances included cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and even chemical warfare agents.

Ethical Concerns

The experiments at Holmesburg raised significant ethical concerns. The inmates were often not fully informed about the nature of the experiments or the potential risks involved. Many of the subjects were from marginalized backgrounds, raising issues of informed consent and exploitation.

Impact and Legacy

Acres of Skin brought widespread attention to the unethical practices in medical research involving prisoners. The book has been influential in discussions about medical ethics, leading to increased scrutiny of research practices and the development of stricter ethical guidelines.

Related pages

• Medical ethics
• Informed consent
• Human experimentation in the United States
• Albert Kligman