Dead capital in modern medical archaeology

Abstract

On the basis of dissected cadavers archaeologically recorded from 40 sites in German- and English-speaking countries, this article examines the economic processes of corpses in the area of conflict between supply, demand and distribution in the 18th/19th centuries. I will answer questions about the recognition of corresponding finds as well as their locations, about the actors involved and their networks. The focus is also on the costs associated with individual work steps in anatomy and how these affected the handling of the dead. It can be postulated that the mode of burial of anatomy cadavers reflects both monetary and social aspects directly related to a form of objectification.