Nothing Goes Without Bentham's "Okay,"

Jeremy Bentham was born February 15, 1748 and throughout his life became known as a celebrated philosopher and ultilitarian (someone who believes that the value of a thing depends on its utility). At the age of 78, Bentham founded the University of London. This is all fine and good-but that's not the interesting part. Following his death in 1832, Bentham's body was dissected publicly as part of an anatomy lecture. Then, the head and skeleton were preserved and stored in a wooden cabinet, called an "Auto-icon", dressed in Bentham's clothing. Thomas Southwood Smith, a devoted follower of Bentham (and you would have to be) kept the skeleton originally, but it was acquired by the University in 1850. Normally displayed in the main building of the college, the skeleton is known to have attended a few meetings and is listed as "Present but not voting." The head that is currently displayed is actually made of wax, the real one having been the victim of many student pranks over the years. It is now locked away.