Stiff

Mary Roach has created a parallel in the lives of the cadavers. She sheds light on the doctors feelings and moral obligations for the cadavers, while subtly drawing a line between medical madmen and furthering scientific studies. In chapters 4 and 5, the use of cadavers seem to be for advancing scientific discoveries; rather then mutilating the donor. In chapter 4 they used full cadavers to determine how much force a human shoulder can handle during an automobile accident. The handlers of the cadaver treat the deceased with the utmost respect, covering their faces and not contributing any snide remarks during the scientific experiment; an experiment that will further human safety in automobiles and have an impact in the manufacturing industry. In chapter 5 the research on the cadavers draws upon the conclusions of deadly events. Such events like plane crashes, where the only evidence can potentially be the floating cadavers, allowing investigators to pinpoint the reasons for the crash by using the cadavers wounds as evidence. Shanahan explains to Mary how he works with the autopsies and comes to the conclusion of how the accident happen, giving the families closure with the passing of their love ones. Providing a moral obligation when working with the deceased.

Chapters 6 and 7 bring forward experimentation that can be considered unnecessary experiments or even mad experiments. In Chapter 6 the researchers and scientists test on individual body parts, developing weapons and ammunition while also researching the effects of stopping power. This is a mad experiment because it is not furthering the human race but actually promoting the extermination of population through wars. This is unnecessary research for cadavers because it is not furthering any scientific advancements. In chapter 7 doctor Barbet can be considered a medical madman through his obsession of proving the Shroud of Turin. He goes through cadaver arms like candy, trying to decipher the exact location a nail will need to be placed during a crucifixion. A mind in relation to Frankenstein, with no respect for the deceased body.