XIV. Observations on some Egyptian mummies opened in London

Abstract

A mong the many instances of kindness I have experienced during my late abode in London, of which the recollection can never be obliterated from my memory, I reckon and acknow­ ledge with gratitude, the uncommon, and to me very interest­ ing, opportunities that were afforded me, to open and examine several Egyptian mummies. A few days after my arrival, I found in the library of my honoured friend Dr. G arthshore, F. R. S. among other Egyp­ tian antiquities, a small mummy, not above one foot in length, of the usual form of a swathed puppet, wrapped up in cotton bandages, painted and gilt in its front part, and inserted in a small sarcophagus of sycamore wood, in which it fitted exactly. Having expressed a wish to know the contents of this figure, the Doctor was kindly pleased to permit the opening of it; which accordingly took place on the 21st of January, 1792, at his house, in the presence of the President and several mem­ bers of the Royal Society, and other men of letters. The mummy itself measured 9^ inches in length, and 8 inches in circumference at the breast, where it was of the greatest thickness.