h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Is that now true everywhere? For the longest time my family have known of my intention to leave my body to the nearest teaching hospital, when I have no further use for it. I think I'm probably too old (60) to have useful spare parts to donate - although I still don't wear glasses. Suggestions for an alternative?

Firstly no it's not true everywhere, a good few medical schools still do discession, and even those that don't do prosection, that is where there is a body that has been disessied by a tutour that you look at.

I know it sounds a bit morbid but if you want more information then I'd ask to ring your local medical school and speak to the anatomy department, don't worry apprently it's quiet a common query.

You might also be able to get the e mail address of the head of anatomy of the website.

Further to both of your posts, I believe Cambridge, Oxford and some of the London medical schools still dissect. As I sit here now I lean down and can smell the formalin on my clothes from this morning's session- a smell I will no doubt remember for the rest of my days.
I've learnt a lot from dissection and prosections, far more than just anatomy (corny though it sounds) it does teach you to work in a medical team, learning to instruct each other using medical terminology and a general feel for instruments. Though you always get one person (inevitably male) who thinks it's a good idea to pretend to be an arrogant surgeon and wades into the body with crys of "forceps!... Metzembaum scissors!" in a forceful voice to tthe rest of his team.

Thank you.(I shall have to remmber to remove the nail varnish before popping my clogs, then.) And the very best of luck with the remaining long years. - currently in Hong Kong, where I don't think they're looking for any more bodies just at present.

This is going to sound slightly morbid but thank-you very much. Medical students learn so much through generous people like you. You will be saving lives, since I think it is impossible to learn the anatomy of the body without actually seeing it.

You're welcome - though not just yet, I hope