The Man Who Defied Death: Jeremy Bentham's Enduring Legacy (and Body)
The question, "Who was the man who had himself taxidermied?" often leads to a fascinating and somewhat macabre story from the annals of British history. The individual in question was not just any eccentric personality; he was a radical thinker, a philosopher, and a legal reformer whose ideas continue to influence modern thought. His name was Jeremy Bentham.
Who Was Jeremy Bentham?
Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) was an English philosopher, jurist, and social reformer who is widely recognized as the founder of utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is a moral theory that holds that the best action is the one that maximizes utility, generally understood as the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. Bentham's work had a profound impact on legal systems, political theory, and social policy.
He was a prolific writer, producing works on a vast array of subjects, including criminal law, prison reform, and the rights of animals. His ideas were often ahead of his time, advocating for radical changes that challenged the status quo of 18th and 19th-century England.
Bentham's Radical Vision and His Peculiar Request
Bentham's desire to be preserved after his death stemmed from his deeply held beliefs about the importance of his own contributions and his wish to continue influencing society. He was a proponent of rationalism and believed that his physical presence, even after death, could serve as a tangible reminder of his ideas and a tool for continued study and debate.
His will famously stipulated that his body should be dissected and his skeleton preserved and reassembled. This was not a morbid fascination with death, but rather a practical, albeit unusual, way to ensure his legacy and facilitate the study of his anatomy by future generations of physicians and anatomists. However, his request went beyond mere scientific preservation.
The Process of Preservation: A Glimpse into Taxidermy
The process of preparing Jeremy Bentham's body for posthumous display was a testament to the nascent techniques of taxidermy and anatomical preservation available at the time. After his death on June 6, 1832, his body was indeed dissected as he had willed. The skeleton was then carefully cleaned and reassembled.
The most striking aspect of his preservation, however, was the preparation of his head. It was taxidermied and intended to be placed atop the reassembled skeleton. This was a particularly delicate and, by today's standards, somewhat crude process. The skin of the face was treated and mounted, with glass eyes inserted. The goal was to create a likeness that would still be recognizable.
Following the taxidermy of his head, it was placed between his legs on the reassembled skeleton. The complete "auto-icon," as it came to be known, was dressed in Bentham's own clothing and seated in a chair.
The Auto-Icon: Bentham's Enduring Spectacle
Bentham's "auto-icon" was a deliberate creation, intended to be more than just a preserved specimen. He envisioned it as a permanent fixture in the University College London, where his ideas on education and reform were being championed. The auto-icon was meant to be a constant, visible reminder of his philosophy and his dedication to the advancement of human knowledge and well-being.
For many years, the auto-icon was indeed housed at University College London. It was displayed prominently, allowing students and visitors to see the physical embodiment of the man whose intellectual contributions were so significant. However, the preservation of the head proved to be a challenging task. The taxidermy of the face, particularly the preservation of the skin and features, was not as enduring as the skeletal preservation. Over time, the head began to deteriorate, and it was eventually removed from public display and kept in storage.
Today, the skeleton of Jeremy Bentham remains at University College London, albeit not in its original full auto-iconic form. The head, having undergone various attempts at preservation and display over the years, is now housed separately, often brought out for special occasions or exhibitions. It serves as a powerful, if somewhat unsettling, reminder of a man who sought to conquer death through the enduring power of his ideas and his very physical presence.
Why Did Jeremy Bentham Want to Be Taxidermied?
Jeremy Bentham's decision to have himself taxidermied was deeply rooted in his philosophy and his desire to continue contributing to society even after his death. He believed that his physical body, preserved and presented in a recognizable form, could serve as a potent educational tool and a lasting symbol of his life's work. He wanted his auto-icon to be a perpetual presence at the institutions he helped found and support, a constant inspiration for reformers and thinkers.
Where is Jeremy Bentham's Auto-Icon Now?
While the complete auto-icon is no longer assembled for regular display, the skeletal remains of Jeremy Bentham are preserved and housed at University College London. His head, which underwent taxidermy, is also kept by the university but is not on continuous public view. It is brought out on specific occasions, offering a rare glimpse into the final, peculiar resting place of the great utilitarian philosopher.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How did Jeremy Bentham's body get preserved?
After his death, Jeremy Bentham's body was dissected as per his will. His skeleton was cleaned and reassembled. His head was taxidermied, a process involving treating the skin and mounting it with glass eyes to preserve a likeness. The entire creation was then dressed and posed.
Why did Jeremy Bentham choose taxidermy over other forms of preservation?
Bentham believed that his taxidermied "auto-icon" would serve as a more impactful and recognizable symbol of his philosophy and ongoing influence than a simple skeleton or a buried body. He wanted a tangible, almost living, presence to continue his work.
Is Jeremy Bentham's auto-icon still on display?
The complete auto-icon is not regularly on display. The skeleton is at University College London, and the taxidermied head is also held by the university, usually stored but brought out for special events or exhibitions.
