Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford: The Edinburgh Body Snatchers: Murder at Halloween

Released on October 25, 2024 by Pushkin Industries

In this gripping episode of Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford, host Tim Harford delves into the dark history of Edinburgh's infamous body snatchers, William Burke and William Hare. Through a blend of true crime and economic analysis, Harford unpacks the tragic consequences of societal and legislative shortcomings in early 19th-century Scotland.

1. Introduction to Burke and Hare

The episode opens with Tim Harford setting the stage in Edinburgh, Scotland, during Halloween of 1828. A seemingly ordinary night unfolds into a series of horrifying events as Madge Doherty, a distressed woman, seeks help in a local bar.

Tim Harford [03:30]: "On Halloween in Edinburgh, Scotland, 1828. A short, middle-aged woman walks into a bar where a man sits drinking. She asks the barkeeper, can you help me?"

Madge's encounter with William Burke leads her to believe they've found a kindred spirit, but this meeting marks the beginning of a sinister chapter in Edinburgh's history.

2. The Rise of Burke and Hare's Crimes

Burke and his friend William Hare, both lodgers at a boarding house, face a logistical nightmare when a deceased lodger’s body remains unclaimed. The local authority's inability to efficiently handle such cases pushes Burke and Hare into a morally corrupt solution.

William Burke [07:57]: "You'll want to see Dr. Knox. Number 10, Surgeon Square."

They approach Dr. Robert Knox, a prominent figure in Edinburgh's medical community, seeking to sell the deceased lodger's body for dissection. This marks the beginning of their involvement in the illegal trade of cadavers, driven by the demand from medical schools.

3. Dr. Robert Knox and the Medical Demand

Dr. Knox, renowned for his exceptional teaching skills, plays a pivotal role in the story. His medical school’s insatiable need for cadavers creates a lucrative, albeit illicit, market that Burke and Hare exploit.

Tim Harford [09:57]: "Seven pounds and ten shillings. That's about what you'd earn for three months of hard manual labor."

Burke and Hare’s initial success emboldens them, leading to a steady stream of bodies to supply Dr. Knox’s classes. However, their methods soon escalate beyond mere opportunism.

4. The Economics of Repugnant Markets

Harford transitions into an analysis of modern economic concepts, particularly those introduced by Nobel laureate Alvin Roth. He explores the idea of "repugnant markets" — transactions deemed morally unacceptable despite potential mutual benefits.

Tim Harford [10:31]: "Repugnant markets are markets we ban because we just don't like the idea of there being a market makes us go yuck."

Drawing parallels between the illegal cadaver trade of the 1820s and contemporary issues like kidney sales and prostitution, Harford highlights the societal reluctance to legitimize certain markets, even when they could alleviate significant problems.

5. The Climax: Halloween's Fatal Mistake

As Burke and Hare grow bolder, their crimes reach a tragic peak on Halloween night. They murder a well-known young woman, Madge Doherty, whose body poses a greater risk of detection due to her familiarity within the community.

William Burke [27:27]: "No, no, no, I'm sure you must be mistaken. It can't possibly be anyone you know."

This heinous act underscores the limits of their operations and sets the stage for their eventual downfall.

6. The Trial and Aftermath

The legal proceedings against Burke and Hare reveal the challenges of 19th-century Scottish law, which allowed for a "not proven" verdict, a middle ground between guilty and innocent. Under pressure, Hare turns King's evidence, leading to the conviction of William Burke.

Tim Harford [37:06]: "The only way to guarantee at least one conviction, the prosecutor reluctantly decided, was to cut a deal with one of the accused."

Burke is sentenced to hang, while Hare and his wife evade severe punishment. The public outcry forces legislative changes, culminating in the Anatomy Act of 1832, which aimed to regulate the supply of cadavers and prevent such atrocities.

7. Insights and Lessons

Harford concludes by reflecting on the economic and ethical lessons from Burke and Hare's story. He emphasizes the importance of aligning legal frameworks with societal values to prevent the emergence of illicit markets.

Tim Harford [40:48]: "Back in 1828, William Burke was sentenced to hang and be dissected. No clever attempt at reframing there."

By integrating historical recounting with economic theory, Harford illustrates how repugnance towards certain transactions can lead to unintended negative consequences, such as the rise of illegal markets and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

Notable Quotes

• Tim Harford [10:31]: "Repugnant markets are markets we ban because we just don't like the idea of there being a market makes us go yuck."

• William Burke [38:33]: "In the whole history of civilized society, there never has been exhibited such a system of barbarous and savage iniquity..."

• Tim Harford [33:19]: "As the economist Alvin Roth discovered, people find it easy to discuss the potential costs of legalizing a market they find repugnant, such as a market in kidneys. It's harder to get them to think about the costs of keeping that market banned."

• Madge Doherty [37:00]: "It means we think you probably did it, but we're not quite sure enough to send you to the gallows."

Conclusion

"The Edinburgh Body Snatchers: Murder at Halloween" serves as a sobering reminder of how societal needs, when misaligned with ethical considerations and legal safeguards, can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Through the lens of Burke and Hare's gruesome saga, Harford not only narrates a tale of human depravity but also prompts listeners to contemplate the delicate balance between demand, legality, and morality in shaping human behavior.