AN ENGLISH MUMMY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2006, 11 February 1890, Page 3

AN ENGLISH MUMMY.

.Awjorrespondent of the Times wriSf:—"ln reference to the ceremony which took place recently i Q the botanical theatre of University College, the following circumstance may be of collateral interest to those who were present, and to the scientific world in general. About three years ago, when the crypts and lower chapels of St. Mary Woolnoth were being sealed for the first time, I took the opportunity of exploring all the space underneath the church. During my third visit of inspection I noticed a "small aperture in the ncrth-west corner of the great vault. Through this I crept, and, after climbing over scores of coffins in all positions and at all angles, I came

upon one which was apparently in a shell, and from which the leaden coffin proper had parted. On removing the lid there lay before me

the body of a young woman, beautifully preserved, her flesh as full and firm as in life, but of a dark copper color. The hair was rich chestnut, but somewhat dull in shade; the finger and toe nails were trimmed and perfect. There was no shroud or

covering of any sort, nave a small piece of coarse canvas, about 3iu square, lying loose on the abdomen, There was also a large incision in the right side, beneath the ribs, and which

I took at the time to have been caused by an operation. Since then I have come to the conclusion that it was done for the purpose of embalming, but I did not think to examine the

soles of the feet. I may mention that the young woman was buried nearly 160 years ago, and, as the date was on the coffin, this was confirmed by reference to my registers. Of course, this case is nothing in point of time to the mummy which was unY* rolled recently. Still, it shows the general character of the manner of

embalming to be the same as that of 2700 years ago, and as that adopted by the Sicilians, ©f which I was informed in the wonderful catacombs at some months ago."