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American History

19th Century Woman Mummified Inside the Airtight Metallic Case

Martha Peterson - Coffin

Fifth Avenue in NYC in 1898. The Iron Mummy.

12. New York Woman

The forensic researchers turned to her teeth. Teeth have long been a useful historical record, as they can indicate diet, exposure to certain metals, and more. The chemicals found in the mummified woman’s teeth revealed a high level of lead, consistent with exposure to an urban area’s water supply. Her diet also indicated that she likely lived in a metropolitan area. The combination of these two factors led researchers to believe that the mummified woman was a New Yorker, born and raised.

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