Jeremy Bentham (Jeremy Bentham)

Jeremy Bentham

Philosopher. He was one of the originators of Utilitarianism. He Wrote “Fragment On Government” in 1776. He willed his body to be preserved and displayed. It was dissected in a medical amphitheater at the Web Street School of anatomy in London, 3 days after his death, which was illegal at the time. Only executed murderers could be dissected at the time. His organs were removed, and the original head replaced with a wax one. After being stolen by students as a joke, the real head is now kept in a safe in the College. The body, dressed in Bentham’s own clothes, still remains stuffed with hay, straw, wool, cotten, and lavender to keep moths away. Since he was a founder of University College, Mr. Bentham is ensconced inside a glass fronted mahogany case (on casters) , set unceremoniously in a busy hallway. He is regularly visited by scholars from all over the world, once went to a beer festival in Germany, and only has dinner once a year, at the annual Bentham Dinner. He was trundled to the annual Board of Directors meeting for years.

Born

  • February, 15, 1748
  • England

Died

  • June, 06, 1832
  • England

Cemetery

  • University College London
  • England

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