Has Anatomy dissections historically have been an activity attended only by surgeons and medical students?

Historically, anatomy dissections were not exclusively attended only by surgeons and medical students. In fact, public anatomy dissections were often events that drew large crowds of spectators. These dissections were seen as educational and entertaining, and were attended by people from all walks of life.

Public anatomy dissections were most common in the 16th and 17th centuries, and were often held in theaters or other public spaces. The dissections were typically performed by surgeons or anatomists, and were accompanied by lectures on the human body. These events were often seen as a form of entertainment, and were attended by both men and women, from all social classes.

However, as medical knowledge advanced and dissection techniques became more refined, public anatomy dissections gradually became less common. By the 19th century, they were largely restricted to medical schools and hospitals, and were attended primarily by medical students and professionals.

Today, anatomy dissections are an essential part of medical education, and are performed under strict ethical guidelines to ensure the respect and dignity of the deceased.