Fairhaven herald. [volume] (Fairhaven, Wash.) 1890-????, 1891-06-03
TIE LOST ART OF EMBAlMlNG.


An Old Farmer Said to Have Rodiscov-
cred 1t In Absolute Perfection.
In a log cabin, about two and one-half
miles from PhiIlippi, 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 II. Hamrick, 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 90 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
wears he became convinced that he had not
iabored 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-
termined 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 his 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 drop of blood
had been drawn, nor an incision or pune
ture made in them.
Since that time the two bodies have been
continually exposed to the air and all
kinds of climatic changes, but they art
still perfect and lifelike. They are now in
his room lying on a table, looking as natu
raj as W hen living. The blood in the veins
can be plainly seen standing out in blush
black lines where vessels are superficial.
In the same room are embalmed cats
dogs, fowls, rabbits, fawns and othe
things-all as natural as life. Sticking
about in corners and on rough shelves
these ORNAMENTS" give the room the ap
pearance of a museum. Those who bav
ventured into the home of the farmer hav
been amazed at the SlRnt. Mr.. hainTlck
plain and frank, with only moderate ed
ucation, but he has been too shrewd t.
give the slightest idea of his process.
However, he does not hesitate to say tina
his process consists of applying fluid, tn
ingredients of which can be found in a
, INC st any general country store, and tina
, the whole thing is so simple child coul
use it. This assertion is doubted by ger
temen who have given the matter years {
: careful study.
He positively refuses to claim more poV
er in his process than he can prove by pa
experiment to belong to it.
The home Of this queer old man is eve
4 open to those who wish to visit hin
: There are those who dread him and b
:, humble cabin because they fear the des
and on account of his association with Il
!, embalmed or mummified animals and DO
IL les. 1t Is almost impossible to get negro
to go near his cabin.
The learned doctors of this country a
" not alone in recognizing him and his seer
1. in a proper way. The Royal Scientific a
"a ISOLATION of France has made him an no
orary member and given him certificate
life membership and a solid gold medal
token of the esteem in which they no
him for making it possible for the Peep
of this age no longer to speak of the so
art of embalming - Cor. Washihgtt
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