-Caveat Lector- from; http://history1700s.miningco.com/library/blben.htm?terms=Skull+and+Bones&COB=h ome <A HREF="http://history1700s.miningco.com/library/blben.htm?terms=Skull+and+Bo nes&COB=home">History-The 18th century - From The Mining Comp </A> ----- History -- The 18th Century >From London Times: 11 Feb 1998 Issue Remains Found beneath former home of Benjamin Franklin The London Times on 11 February 1998, reported that while workmen, who where preparing the former London home of Benjamin Franklin home for renovation and restoration, discovered the bodies of 10 individuals. According to the article initial estimates are that the bones are about 200 years old and were buried at the time Franklin was living in the house, which was his home from 1757 to 1762, and from 1764 to 1775. "Most of the bones show signs of having been dissected, sawn or cut. One skull has been drilled with several holes. Paul Knapman, the Westminster Coroner, said: �I cannot totally discount the possibility of a crime. There is still a possibility that I may have to hold an inquest�."( Times article) This story is significant to historians today, because it helps them to understand the medical practices of the 18th century, and also gives more insight into the life of Ben Franklin and his interests, Particularly in the field of medical science. The article stated that the remains of four adults and six children were discovered during the #1.9 million restoration of Franklin's home at 36 Craven Street, close to Trafalgar Square. There is speculation that there may be other bodies located in the area, because these bodies were well hidden. These bodies could have been subjects of dissection and further anatomical studies on how the human body looked and functioned internally. The article gives a short background on the times. In the early 1770s Dr Hewson was in partnership with William Hunter, who, with his brother John, was one of the founders of British surgery. Dr Hunter and Dr Hewson ran a school of anatomy in Soho, but after a argument Dr Hewson left to live in Franklin's house, where he is believed to have established a rival school and lecture theatre. The Times quoted Dr Knapman said that: "It is most likely that these are anatomical specimens that Dr Hewson disposed of in his own house, but we are still not certain about the bones' exact age or origin." Thus, Dr. Hewson may have been the individual, with the aide of his students, may have buried the bodies after they completed their study. At the time, according to the article, grave robbing was illegal, punishable by either execution or deportation. William Hewson, like Franklin, was a Fellow of the Royal Society, and the husband of Polly Stevenson, the daughter of Franklin's landlady, Mary Stevenson. The house may have been used for Dr. Hewson�s school of anatomy by Franklin, when he lived with Mary Stevenson, thus, Franklin might not been aware of what Hewson and his students were doing in the basement of the home. Dr Hewson fell victim to his own researches at an early age. He accidentally cut himself while dissecting a putrid body, contracted septicemia and died in 1774, aged 34. The London Times article also stated that, "Brian Owen Smith has volunteered to lead researches on behalf of the friends."( Times article) Resource The London Times 11 Feb 1998. Sound off on this article or the topic in general can be posted at the History The 18th century Bulletin Board. Related Mining Co. GuideSites �American History �Ancient/Classical History �Archaeology �Black History �Historical Reenactment �History -- The 19th Century �History -- The 20th Century �Holocaust �Medieval History �Military History �Women's History ----- Aloha, He'Ping, Om, Shalom, Salaam. Em Hotep, Peace Be, Omnia Bona Bonis, All My Relations. Adieu, Adios, Aloha. Amen. Roads End Kris DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance�not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
