NCBI ROFL: 101 uses for a dead body (mummification optional).

Discoblog
By ncbi rofl
Aug 16, 2010 9:40 PMNov 20, 2019 4:50 AM
103608130_15a2d20a73_z.jpg

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Cadavers and mummies as therapeutic means "Sickness befallen onto him, man found that plant and animal derivatives invigorated him. Thereafter, he found a therapeutic benefit in using man as a means of self cure and especially, dead man from violent death. The foam of the skull of cadaver was an excellent antiepileptic as well as blood coming out from a freshly decapitated man. By applying on diseased parts of his body, so as to get rid of inflammation or infection, cadaver's hands were used against tumors of all kinds. Dead human skin were processed into belts and used therein for helping delivery of parturition women. The mummy must be blackish, foul smelling and hard. Those who were whitish, odorless and powder-like, were unfit for use. Mummy powder applied to the nose would stop nose bleeding. Ambroise Paré (1510-1590) was an adversary of those practices."

Photo: flickr/Michael Scheltgen

Related content: Discoblog: NCBI ROFL: Mummified cow fetus. Discoblog: NCBI ROFL: Friday the 13th special: Blood and tissue spatter associated with chainsaw dismemberment. Discoblog: NCBI ROFL: Ridiculous abstract is ridiculous. WTF is NCBI ROFL? Read our FAQ!

1 free article left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

1 free articleSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

More From Discover
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2025 LabX Media Group