Robert Knox, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death

Robert Knox

Scottish physician, anatomist, zoologist and ethnologist (1791-1862)

Date of Birth: 04-Sep-1791

Place of Birth: Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Date of Death: 20-Dec-1862

Profession: zoologist, surgeon, military physician, anatomist

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Robert Knox, (4 September 1791 – 20 December 1862), was a Scottish anatomist, zoologist, ethologist and physician.
He was a lecturer on anatomy in Edinburgh, where he introduced the theory of transcendental anatomy. He is, however, now mainly remembered for his involvement in the Burke and Hare murders.
An incautious approach to obtaining cadavers for dissection after the passage of the Anatomy Act and disagreements with professional colleagues ruined his career.
A move to London did not improve matters. His later pessimistic view of humanity contrasted sharply with his youthful attachment to the ideas of Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire.
Knox also devoted the latter part of his life to theorising on evolution and ethnology, as well as being one of the pioneers of scientific racism in Britain.
His work on the latter further harmed his legacy and overshadowed his contributions to evolutionary theory.