affection, and no wrong is like that of invading the tomb of those we
love. Shakespeare left his curse for him who should disturb his bones; and
all feel like cursing those who disturb the bones of friends who are
linked to them by blood and affection.

In the winter of 1787 and 1788, medical students of New York City dug up
bodies more frequently than usual, or were more reckless in their mode of
action, for the inhabitants became greatly excited over the stories that
were told of their conduct. Some of these, if true, revealed a brutality
and indecency, shocking as it was unnecessary. Usually, the students had
contented themselves with ripping open the graves of strangers and
negroes, about whom there was little feeling; but this winter they dug up
respectable people, even young women, of whom they made an indecent
exposure.

The stories did not lose anything by repetition, and soon the conduct of
physicians and medical students became a town talk. There seemed to be no
remedy for this state of things; the graveyards, which were then in the
heart of the city, were easily accessible; while plenty of men could be
found, who, for a small sum, would dig up any body that was desired. A
mere accident caused this state of feeling to culminate and suddenly break
out into action. In the spring, some boys were playing in the rear of the
hospital, when a young surgeon, from a mere whim, showed an amputated arm
to them. One of them, impelled by curiosity, immediately mounted a ladder
that stood against the wall, used in making some repairs, when the surgeon
told him to look at his mother's arm. The little fellow's mother had
recently died, and filled with terror, he immediately hastened to his
father, who was a mason, and working at the time in Broadway. The father
at once went to his wife's grave, and had it opened. He found the body
gone, and returned to his fellow-workmen with the news. They were filled