Acres of Skin

Book about unethical human experimentation

Acres of Skin is a book by Allen M. Hornblum that explores the unethical human experimentation conducted at the Holmesburg Prison in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the mid-20th century. The book provides a detailed account of the experiments carried out by Albert Kligman, a dermatologist who used inmates as test subjects for various pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.

Background

The experiments at Holmesburg Prison began in the 1950s and continued into the 1970s. The prison was chosen due to its large population of inmates who were seen as a "captive audience" for testing. The experiments were conducted under the guise of scientific research, but they often lacked proper ethical oversight and informed consent.

Experiments

The types of experiments conducted included testing of skin creams, shampoos, detergents, and even chemical warfare agents. Inmates were often exposed to substances that caused severe skin reactions, burns, and other health issues. The book details how these experiments were justified by the researchers and the prison administration as being beneficial for scientific advancement and the inmates themselves.

Ethical Concerns

Hornblum's book raises significant ethical concerns about the use of vulnerable populations in research. The lack of informed consent and the exploitation of prisoners for profit are central themes. The book argues that the experiments at Holmesburg Prison were a violation of human rights and highlights the need for stricter ethical standards in research.

Impact

Acres of Skin brought widespread attention to the issue of unethical human experimentation in the United States. It sparked discussions about the need for reform in research ethics and the protection of human subjects. The book has been used as a case study in medical ethics courses and has influenced policy changes regarding research on prisoners.

Related pages

• Human experimentation in the United States
• Research ethics
• Informed consent
• Prisoner rights

Gallery

• Cover of Acres of Skin
  Cover of Acres of Skin