Soapman: Corpse Turned Completely Into Soap


Photo: Dave Hunt / Smithsonian Institution

We don't usually post such a gruesome image on Neatorama, but bear with me. The story behind the corpse shown above is quite very intriguing.

When the corpse above was discovered in 1875 during the digging of a train depot foundation in Philadelphia, it has turned into soap (that's why it's called "Soapman" by the Smithsonian Institute). Water had seeped into the casket and brought alkaline soil with it, turning the fats in the man's body through a type of hydrolysis called saponification.

Thanks Jessica Porter!


I remember him. He used to be on display with the asphalt woman. My kids, who were four when we first visited the Smithsonian thought the two were pretty cool. They were more creeped out by the manikins displaying native clothing. Kid logic: They saw animal skeletons and Stuffed animals. Then they saw human skeletons and "stuffed humans."

I understand Soapman and Asphalt woman are no longer on display.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.
Click here to access all of this post's 8 comments




Email This Post to a Friend
"Soapman: Corpse Turned Completely Into Soap"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More