Taxidermy is a practice that involves preserving an animal's body by stuffing and mounting it for display or study. It is a common practice among hunters and collectors to preserve the memory of an animal. However, the idea of taxidermy being applied to humans raises ethical questions and invokes a sense of discomfort. Despite this, there have been instances in history where humans have been taxidermied, although these cases are rare and controversial.

One of the most well-known instances of a human being taxidermied is that of Elmer McCurdy. McCurdy was an outlaw in the early 20th century who was killed in a shootout with authorities. His body was then embalmed and put on display as a sideshow attraction. Over the years, his body changed hands multiple times, eventually ending up in a museum where it was mistaken for a mannequin. It wasn't until 1977 that his body was discovered to be that of a mummified human. This case sparked a debate on the ethics of human taxidermy and led to stricter regulations on the practice.

Another controversial case of human taxidermy is that of Jeremy Bentham, a philosopher who died in 1832. Bentham requested in his will that his body be preserved and displayed as an "auto-icon" to be used for educational purposes. His body was dissected, embalmed, and dressed in his own clothes before being placed in a wooden cabinet. To this day, Bentham's auto-icon is on display at University College London, where it serves as a symbol of his contributions to philosophy and ethics.

While these cases of human taxidermy may be extreme and rare, they bring up important questions about the ethics and legality of the practice. The idea of preserving a human body for display raises concerns about consent, dignity, and respect for the deceased. It also raises questions about the boundaries between science, art, and morality. As society continues to evolve, the debate on human taxidermy will likely persist, with new cases and controversies emerging in the future.

In conclusion, the practice of human taxidermy is a complex and controversial topic that challenges our perceptions of death, ethics, and human dignity. While there have been rare instances of humans being taxidermied in history, the practice remains a subject of debate and scrutiny. As technology and ethics continue to evolve, the boundaries of what is acceptable in preserving human remains may continue to be pushed. Ultimately, the question of whether any human should be taxidermied remains a personal and societal decision that will continue to spark discussion and reflection.