Why were the early dissections performed by Herophilus (around 300 BCE), the first used for the purpose of identifying the characteristics of disease, controversial?

Question

Why were the early dissections performed by Herophilus (around 300 BCE), the first used for the purpose of identifying the characteristics of disease, controversial?

He dissected members of the royal family, who were believed to be prime human specimens.

He attempted to infect criminals with the diseased body parts he found.

At the time, dissection was believed to release evil spirits into the world.

He publicly dissected criminals who were executed for committing crimes.

Answer 1

The early dissections performed by Herophilus were controversial because at the time, dissection was believed to release evil spirits into the world. Additionally, the fact that he dissected members of the royal family, who were believed to be prime human specimens, was seen as sacrilegious and disrespectful. Furthermore, the idea of infecting criminals with diseased body parts he found during dissections was seen as morally questionable and raised ethical concerns.