Democratic Sentinel, Volume 16, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 October 1892 — A PETRIFIED HUMAN BODY. [ARTICLE]

A PETRIFIED HUMAN BODY.

It Was Recently Fonnri by Prospeetowl In the Hills of South Dakota. One of the most wonderful discoveries ever recorded in the hills was made recently by some parties about ten miles north of Hot Springs, S. D. f near Wind City, says the St. Louis Globe-Democrat. They were prospecting in the hills, and in coming down into a ravine saw what appeared to be a fossil of some kind, similar to those found down in the Bad lands, east of there. They proceeded to unearth it, and to their great astonishment found it to be the petrification of a man. The specimen is that of a man from 25 to 30 years of age, well-formed and fully developed physically. In height it is 0 feet 1J inches, and belongs to the dolicephals or round-headed race of. human beings. The foot, the left one, the right foot being missing, must have worn a boot, as the big toe is very much compressed inwahl and the toe nails pressed flat on the top, the contrary to those wearing no boots. The left arm is brought down the side with the hand resting on the abdomen. The right arm has disappeared about three inches from the shoulder and it certainly appears to have been lost prior to the interment, for while the left hand is securely cemented to the body from the waist to the finger ends, there is not the slightest trace of the right hand in any way having touched the trunk. Now with the right foot it is the reverse, for the heels have touched each other, and with the disintegration of time the right heel has carried with It a portion of the left on the extreme end. The calves of the legs are securely cemented together. The lips and eyes are closed. On the left arm, extending four inches above and three below, is what appears to be a huge scar, probably caused by an ax or cutlass, and under the left ear is a small incision one and one-half inches long, which looks as if caused by a knife or dagger. The skin is perfect in minute lines, and, except a few pock marks, probably caused by insects, is absolutely perfect. It appears that the specimen is one of the Anglo-Saxon race, as all the characteristics of an Indian are wanting. There can be no doubt but it is one of the most perfect petr rifleations ever discovered.