A resurrectionist, in historical terms, is typically associated with the practice of body snatching or grave robbing, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries. Key qualities of a resurrectionist may include:
1. Unlawful Activity: Resurrectionists engaged in illegal activities by stealing corpses from graves for various purposes, often for medical research or teaching.
2. Secrecy: They operated covertly, working in the shadows to avoid detection by authorities or grieving families.
3. Knowledge of Anatomy: Resurrectionists often had some knowledge of human anatomy or were associated with medical professionals who required cadavers for dissection and study.
4. Demand for Bodies: Their activities were driven by a high demand for human cadavers, especially in the medical field, where the study of anatomy was advancing.
5. Ethical Controversy: The practice of body snatching was morally and ethically controversial, as it involved violating the sanctity of graves and causing distress to families of the deceased.
It's important to note that the term "resurrectionist" is not commonly used today, as these activities are illegal and considered unethical.