The Warm Mug Historians: History of the Autopsy

Enjoy a mug of something warm and take a fun, informative journey into the past in this program for history lovers!

The word autopsy derives from ancient Greek autos and optos––to see for oneself. For over 2,000 years, doctors have performed this scientific procedure to answer: what caused the death? The first recorded dissection was performed on Julius Caesar in 44 BCE, with physician Antistius presenting his findings in a public forum. This set the stage for the study of forensic pathology which we still use today. Join Mary Jumbelic, M.D., former Chief Medical Examiner of Onondaga County and author of the true crime memoir Speak Her Name (2025) as we follow the evolution of the autopsy, exploring innovations and medical breakthroughs, and learn its profound impact on the living.

Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and mug will be provided!