Robert Knox

Robert Knox72

Robert Knox (4 September 1791 – 20 December 1862) was a Scottish anatomist, zoologist, ethnologist, and doctor. He is best known for his involvement in the Burke and Hare murders, a series of killings committed in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1828. Knox was a prominent figure in the medical community of his time and made significant contributions to the field of anatomy.

Early Life and Education

Robert Knox was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was the eighth child of Mary Scherer and Robert Knox, a teacher of mathematics and natural philosophy at Heriot's Hospital. Knox attended the Royal High School and later studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh, where he graduated in 1814.

Career

After completing his medical degree, Knox joined the army as an assistant surgeon and served in the Battle of Waterloo. He later traveled to South Africa, where he conducted research on the local flora and fauna. Upon his return to Edinburgh in 1820, Knox became a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and started teaching anatomy.

The Burke and Hare Murders

Knox's reputation was marred by his association with the Burke and Hare murders. William Burke and William Hare were responsible for the deaths of at least 16 people, whose bodies they sold to Knox for dissection. Although Knox was never prosecuted, his involvement in the scandal led to widespread public outrage and damaged his career.

Later Life and Contributions

Despite the controversy, Knox continued to work in the field of anatomy. He published several works, including "The Races of Men" (1850), which explored the concept of human races from an ethnological perspective. Knox also contributed to the development of the Edinburgh Phrenological Society and was an advocate for the study of phrenology.

Death and Legacy

Robert Knox died on 20 December 1862 in Hackney, London. He is remembered for his contributions to anatomy and his controversial role in the Burke and Hare murders. Knox's life and work have been the subject of numerous books and films, reflecting his complex legacy in the history of medicine.

Related Pages

• Burke and Hare murders
• William Burke
• William Hare
• University of Edinburgh
• Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
• Phrenology
• Edinburgh Phrenological Society