The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1889-11-20


Grace Greenwood, In . communication
from Italy 20 the Lewistown { Ne. JesyaaI.
gives details OF new and interesting pro-
cess for the dixposing Of the dead which y
q great Improvement Oh sny former sug-
gsssfon IN that line
As a.rssuIt Of acrimonious discussions be-
tween cremation and rival systems, atten-
don was attracted tr the possibility Of pet
rifysng the bodies OF the dead. and many
marvellous successes in that line are re-
ported.
AS long ago ~ the latter part Of the
eighteenth century, one Gssolamo LegAto.
q Florenlsne. attained remarkable successes
in this line. his iifss experiments we're
made on small animals and reptiles, which
he preserved IN nost perfect condition,
and which are stii. exhibited in the mu-
seums. Bat when he proposed
70 take the bodies OF executed
criminals or dead paupers for pur-
poses Of maEbleixation. the priesthood
interfered and prevented it. He was al
lowed, however, 70 use fragments from the
dissecttng table, among them the head Of
girl ard the bust Of a peasant woman.
The former Is to this day in state OF per-
feet preservation. all the features remain
Ing As In life. the hair soft and lustros1.
the teeth dazzling. The bust is said 70 be
. marvel Of beautiful color and contour,
and ivory-like Ia smoothness and firm
ness.
Legato's secret died with him. but the
recent controversies have induced expert
ments IN the same line. and Professors
Marini and Gorini. eminent scientists,
have accomplished some wonderful re-
suits. AS fairs In Turin and Milan DIR.
Marini has exhibited number Of speci-
mems which caused him to be suspected OF
oeeultism. Some were solid, permanent
petrifactions. and some were provisional.
capable Of assuming pliability. In all the
color. fullness and transparency Of life
were preserved.
OF the results OF the Gorini experiments
IL IL said that 1t leaves ell the members OF
the body hard at first, but after q time they
become supple. and even capable Of fur
nishing studies in anatomy. The great
French surgeon, DR.. Helaton, says Of one
specimen which was submitted 10 him: ct
has regained its suppleness 70 such degree
that was easily able to dissect the fifth
toe
The most impressive Of DIR. Marini's
preparations Is little girl, dressed as in
life. apparently asleep. her face pale but
round and dimpled, and the limbs are soft
and flexible, but the whole Is pure marble.
and In tins state he claims that little Marie
Courier remains fixed forever.
II the hrocess can he ilnpsessd 10 such
an extent that Il will not Be too expensive,
there can BE- little doubts OF its general
adoption. During The lives OF their rela-
tions aud friends such images Of the dead
viii be comforting. Il win afford an In
disputabiy correct method of conveying 10
posterity knowledge OF the appearance of
eminent lnsn and women. A for the less
notable, after = few generations their petri.
fed remains might be useful for decoration
or other purposes Certainly. with those,
who can avail themselves Of Ii and ais, "a
II. this process win be preferable to s,sms.
non, burial or enlbalming.
One Of Lega.os mast beautiful exhibits
was : lsnssssop. apparently a mosaic of
pssseatsfai marbles. composed of different
members OF human and other animal
bodies. retaining all the colors of life.
Herein Is fine suggestion OF future use
sulneas