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Two figures holding a lantern up to a dug up grave in a cemetery. One man is pulling a coffin out with string.
Grave robbers would use rope to remove and empty coffins.

First law against grave robbing is enacted in the American colonies.

1655

MED
LLP
Grave robbers would use rope to remove and empty coffins.

Passed in the colony of Rhode Island, the law indicates that grave robbing may already be undertaken by physicians seeking human bodies to dissect for medical education during this period.