The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1891-04-23
THE LOST ART OF EMBALMlNG.
An Old Farmer Said to Have Rediscov-
cred It IN Absolute Perfection.

An Old Farmer Said to Have Rediscov-
cred It In Absolute Perfection.
IN log cabin, about two and one-half
miles from Phillippi, w Va, lives an old
German farmer, who will some day give to
the world that which Will prove the won
der of the Nineteenth century. 1t seems
that it has been left to the gray bearded
old man, Graham r. Hsmrick, to discover
something which has puzzled the brains of
learned men and scientists for ages past.
The discovery is the art of preserving ami
NAL and vegetable substances SO either
may be kept without a sign OF decay, de-
composition Or change but in his efforts
to solve this great problem he has become
to be regarded by many people in this sec
ton of the country as some kind OF being
TO be avoided and there are many who will
not go near the log house in which the old
man has live dead people" and animals
Just how Mr. Hamrick conceived the
idea that he could preserve animal and
vegetable matter in its natural state he
does not say; but, after experimenting for
years he became convinced that he had not
labored in vain, and he declares, and his
works prove, that he has the art perfected.
Until a short time ago his experiments in
preserving or embalming had been confined
to lower animals and vegetables, and so
successful had been his efforts that he de-
terrnined TO test the process on human
bodies.
He secured permission from the author
tiles of the state hospital for the insane to
experiment on two bodies. These were
given into bis custody, and in one hour
after he had them in his room he informed
the authorities that they were ready for
examination. The bodies were examined,
and it was found that they had not been
mutilated in any way. not a drop OF blood
had been drawn, nor an incislon or pune
ture made in them.
Since that time the two bodies have been
continually exposed 20 the air and all
kinds of climatic changes, but they are
still perfect and lifelike. They are now in
his room lying on a table, looking as natu-
raj as when living. The blood il the veins
can be plainly seen standing out In bluis
black lines where vessels are superficial.
In the came room are embalmed cata,
dogs, fowls, rabbits, fawIs and other
things-an as natural as life. Sticking
about In corners and on rough shelves
these ornaments" give the room the ap-
pearance Of museum. These who have
ventured into the home Of the farmer have
been amazed az the sight. Mr.. Hsmrick Is |
plain and frank, with only d moderate ed /
ucation, bat be has been too shrewL 20 |
give the slightest idea Of his process.
However, he does not hesitate 70 say that 4
bis process consists OF applying fluid, tns
Ingredients Of which can be f2und IN al
most any general country store. and that
the whole thing Is SO simple child could
use 1t. This assertion il doubted by gen
tIesnen who have given tie matter years Of
careful study
He positively refuses 20 claim more pow
er In his process than be can prove By past
experiment 10 belong 70 Il
The home Of this queer old man Is ever
open TO those who wish 70 vseat him.
There are those who dread him and rs
humble cabin because they fear the dead
and On acccur: CT his ASSOCIATION with :hs
en- oalrned or muEnnifed animals aid bod
les IL Is almost in possible 70 e. pssroes
70 20 2ear his cabin
The learned doctors cf this cozntry are
Tot alone IN recognizing him and his secret
IN proper way. The Royal Scientific a.
sociAt4oa o. France has made hirs al hon
orary member and gwen him a certificate CT
life membership and SOLID gold medal a.
. token Of the esteem In which they hold
him for making i. posz1bls for Tie people
OF this age 20 longer 20 speak ot the ''iost
art" CT e-nbalziEg Ger. Washington
prsG-