The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-09-01
THE LOST ART OF EMBALMING.
An Old Farmer Said to Have Rediscov
cred 1t In Absolute Perfection.

An Old Farmer Said to Have Rediscov-
cred 1t In Absolute Perfection.
In a 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 ii. lIamrick, to discove
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 u 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
tion of the country rs some kind Of being
to be avoided, and there are many who viii
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 anG
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 hi.
works prove, that he has the art perfected
Until 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 dc
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 houl
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 arc
still perfect and lifelike. They are now in
his room lying on table, looking as natu.
raj as when 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 embamed cats
dogs, fowls, rabbits, fawns and othe,
things-all as natural rs life Sticking
about in corners and ON rough shelves
these ornaments" give the room the up
pearance of museum. Those who have
ventured into the home of the farmer have
been amazed ut the sight. Mr.. IIamrick i.
plain and frank, with only a moderate ed
ucation, but he has been too shrewd tc
give the slightest idea of his process.
However, he does not hesitate to say thai
his process consists Of applying huid tn,
ingredients of which can be found in al
me st any general country store, and tha
the whole thing Is so simple a child coulC
use it, This assertion is doubted by gen
tlemen who have given the matter years o
careful study.
He positively refuses to claim more pow
er in his process than he can prove by pas
experiment to belong to it.
The home Of this queer old man is eve
open to those who wish to visit him
There are those who dread him and hi
humble cabin because they fear the deat
and on account Of his association with tn,
embalmed or mummi6ed animals and bod
les. 1t is almost impossible to get negroe
to go near his cabin.
The learned doctors of this country ar
not alone in recognizing him and his secre
in proper way. The Royal Scientific rs
sociaton of France has made him an hon
orary member and given him certificate o
life membership and solid gold medal n
token Of the esteem in which they hol,
him for making it possible for the peopl
of this age no longer to speak of the ''los
art" of embalming. - Cor. Washington
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