Dictionary of Environmental Health
Bentham, Jeremy b. 1748; d. 1832
A London-born philosopher. He originally trained for the law but developed as a prolific author and critic of society at the time. The death of his father in 1792 gave him independence of means and a freedom to pursue his chosen path.
He is perhaps best remembered for the doctrine of Utilitarianism, usually rendered as providing ‘the greatest happiness for the greatest number’. He was a pioneer in recommending social change including prison reform, change to the poor law system, universal suffrage and the decriminalisation of homosexuality. Following his death on 6 June 1832 his skeleton was made into his effigy, dressed in his own clothes, provided with a wax model head and mounted in a cabinet. The cabinet and contents are still in existence and currently stand at the end of the South Cloister of University College, London.
See also: CHADWICK, SIR EDWIN
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