The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1902-10-12

the production Of petrifactions may
doubtlessly exist where the supposed
"petrified body" was found; as they con-
sist Of lime and some kind of a protective
medium to prevent too rapid decomposi-
ton.
The waters of the Ohio. with its large
and small tributaries draining various
watersheds rich in lime. especially those
Of Kentucky would readily account Tor
the necessary lime; while a good depth OF
fine sand and gravel would serve as pro-
tective blanket retarding decay.
The necessary conditions then are pres
ent and the general appearances OF gen
uineness to casual observation are also
strongly in evidence, but further IMAM
that nothing definite can be said. No test
thus far has been made to determine even
whether or not the body contains llme'
and if present in what chemical combina-
ton It exists This one fact as ascer-
tanned would furnish an important clue TO
it's genuineness. This statement has not.
however as it's intention that the pet
rifaction" is counterfeit but rather that
from the chemico- geologic view we know
nothing absolute to warrant pronoHnc'nR
1t genuine. From cursory examination
however 1t must be admitted that II 1t Is
e'made I'D" it is work of art that far ex-
GELS the notorious Cardiff giant.
It must be admitted as a general truth
that 1t would be no very surprising scien-
tific act for such a petrifaction to occur.
as numerous authenticated instances OF
such finds are a matter of scientific rec
ord
Petrifactier takes place wherever vege-
table or animal matter is decayfng in the
presence of water. carving good ner-
centage of some mineral ingredient. The
mineral compound ordinarily present is
bf-carbonate Of lime or limestone dis
solved IN ~carbonated water Numerous
instances are known, however. where the
mineral constituent was a compound OF
from magnesium or sflican. Illustrations
Of these are seen In Yellowstone park,
most all hot springs, in the silicified for
ests Of Arizona and to a small degree in
almost any 1fmstone region. Frequently.
however instead of petrifaction fneurs
encrustation. A body being at first rap
idly coated with a layer Of limestone,
which not only prevents decay. but also
further infiltration and hardening of the
tissues by the mineral solution.
The amount of limestone which water
dissolves depends especially upon two
things. The amount of carbonic acid con-
tanned and the atmospheric pressure pres
emit In order to have the water under
pressure it must flow through some sub
terranean passage impervious to air.
otherwise the pressure on the water will
be removed and the greater portion Of
limestone deposited. These facts explain
the rapid deposition Of limestone about
the openings Of geysers and hot springs.
The case In question according to the
specific gravity of limestone. should
weigh about 400 pounds. The specific grav-
fly Of limestone being 81, the calculation
would then be based on the fact Of the
man having weighed about $50 pounds.
There is we'll authenticated case that
occurred some twenty years ago near
BoonvilIe of a Mrs. Haynes. whose body,
on being disinterred for the purpose Of
change of burial site, was found to be
petriied. The localities are similar and
would produce similar conditions as to
the constant percentage Of limestone in
gredient in the water, the agent of pet
rifaction.
The conditions which make possible
such petrifactfon are present in this re-
gion. All the large tributaries of the
Ohio. like the Kentucky and the Green.
drain limestone regions of ample suf-
ffeiency to furnish the required strength
contained in petrifying limestone.
If the body had been in the river he'd for
several years and protected from decay r.
Is possible that petrifaction would take
place.