The Society for the Recovery of Persons Apparently Drowned

 I am doing some research which requires a deep dive into the history of medicine.  Today’s fascinating find is that the Royal Humane Society (founded in 1774) originally had the rather cumbersome title the ‘Society for the Recovery of Persons Apparently Drowned’.  The two physicians who created the society were troubled by the number of people, presumed dead, that were being buried alive.  To raise public awareness about the new medical technique of resuscitation they offered financial rewards to those who saved or aided drowning victims. Of course this then lead to an increase in fake drownings scams, and the monetary rewards were replaced with medals.  

We humans haven’t changed that much in 250 years!

Cheers, 

Colin