Describe Scotland and what is happening in the country during the early 19th century?

You might want to check out the following webpage:

http://burkeandhare.com/

Another great explanation as it pertains to Frankenstein:

http://books.google.com/books?id=M8_ZszWMLgsC&pg=PA75&lpg=PA75&dq=frankenstein+burke+and+hare&source=bl&ots=X2s7p2_t5s&sig=0xfSzMMjBQLOSO2UOb5YNwuR8a8&hl=en&sa=X&ei=JhFfUt3BL4aOyAGPnYHACg&ved=0CDcQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=frankenstein%20burke%20and%20hare&f=false

Type Burke and Hare in the search box.