When medicine advanced in the 1800s, scientists and doctors needed more bodies to study. This inspired a new fear for Victorians — being dug up for medical research. To guard against bodysnatchers, people took a number of measures, including inventing and patenting special coffins and burial devices.
Funeral homes were eager to sell “special” sealing coffins to keep graverobbers out.
Inventors were interested in deterring bodysnatchers with their own violent end — with grave TORPEDOES.
TORPEDOES. IN COFFINS.
WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?