In the story, a young medical student named Fettes discovers that many of the cadavers used at the school are supplied by criminals who kill for the sole purpose of selling the victims' bodies. Fettes is horrified, but the class assistant, Macfarlane, advises him to keep quiet in order to prevent a scandal. Fettes agrees to say nothing. His loyalties are tested, however, when Macfarlane himself comes to the door with a fresh corpse. The story is thought to have been inspired by the infamous 1828 serial "anatomy murders" committed by William Burke and William Hare.
In the story, a young medical student named Fettes discovers that many of the cadavers used at the school are supplied by criminals who kill for the sole purpose of selling the victims' bodies. Fettes is horrified, but the class assistant, Macfarlane, advises him to keep quiet in order to prevent a scandal. Fettes agrees to say nothing. His loyalties are tested, however, when Macfarlane himself comes to the door with a fresh corpse. The story is thought to have been inspired by the infamous 1828 serial "anatomy murders" committed by William Burke and William Hare. "The Body Snatcher" has been adapted for radio, television, and film.