1200 Bone Pieces Discovered in Benjamin Franklin's Home
1200 Bone Pieces Discovered in Benjamin Franklin’s Home
Benjamin Franklin, the face of the American hundred dollar bill, is arguably one of the most profound leaders in American history. Although mostly renowned for his role in the American Revolution and as a Founding Father, he was an impressive polymath. Franklin was a versatile intellectual, active as an inventor, scientist, author, philosopher, and a diplomat. During his industrious life, Franklin spent much time in London as an agent of the Pennsylvania assembly and resided in his London home at 36 Craven Street. An abnormal discovery in the basement of his London residence in 1998 would spark a dark and mysterious controversy, questioning his noble character and reputation.
Many hide skeletons in the closet, but who would have thought Benjamin Franklin’s skeletons were quite literal? Approximately two centuries following Franklin’s death, the remains of 28 bodies were uncovered while his home was being transformed into a museum. The conservationists conducting work in the windowless basement retrieved over 1200 bone fragments in a deep pit. Forensic investigators concluded that the bones belonged to 28 humans, six of whom were children, dating back to Franklin’s time. Furthermore, remnants of 43 different species of animals were excavated. The bones contained surgical cuts, and one skull even had a hole drilled into it. After further investigation, scientists came up with less cynical and more reasonable explanations regarding this eerie discovery.
The most plausible theory points to Franklin’s housemate, William Hewson, a British surgeon and anatomist, as the likely person behind the dissections. The popular consensus is that William, the father of hematology, operated dissections in the basement of Franklin’s London property. Thankfully, William’s notes of data collection evidenced William’s prime involvement. Some scientists believe that Franklin was merely aware of William’s activities, but others believe that Franklin likely participated due to his natural curiosity as a scientist.
Dissection has been and continues to be considered crucial for medical advancements, education, and the practice of medicine. However, there was a taboo surrounding the source of the dead bodies. Laws in 1752 permitted the use of executed murderers in dissections, but the demand for corpses and the scarcity of bodies led to an inevitable rise in questionable business. Gravediggers, known as resurrectionists, would exhume corpses and sell them to anatomists. Surprisingly, this business was technically not considered illegal, as dead bodies did not fall under the possession of any person. In the eyes of the people, this act was perceived to be heinous and unjust, far worse than death in itself.
The discovery of 1200 bone pieces in Franklin’s residence did not allude to a sinister act like mass murder, but rather encompassed the unsettling practices of early anatomical study.
Reading Test
1. In the first paragraph, the author uses the word “polymath”. What does the prefix “poly-” mean?
A. Multiple
B. Beyond
C. Reverse
D. Only
2. “An abnormal discovery in the basement of his London residence in 1998 would spark a dark and mysterious controversy, questioning his noble character and reputation.” What literary device is used in this sentence?
A. Irony
B. Imagery
C. Understatement
D. Foreshadowing
3. “Many hide skeletons in the closet” (P2). What does this idiom mean?
A. Dead bodies are in the closet
B. Undisclosed secrets that would damage a person’s reputation if revealed
C. Joke that appears to be more serious when said out loud
D. A shameful act that is regretted upon
4. Who are the conservationists as used in paragraph 2?
A. People who act for the protection and preservation
B. People who criticize the exploitation of natural resources
C. People who are dedicated and supportive of their country and history
D. People who remain loyal to an establishment or government
5. What best describes the tone of the 2nd paragraph?
A. Demeaning
B. Informal
C. Impartial
D. Awestruck
6. What does the author mean in paragraph 3 when using the transitional word, “thankfully”?
A. William thanked Benjamin for allowing him to conduct research in his basement
B. It is better to blame William, who is less pertinent in American history
C. Without William’s notes, it would be difficult to explain the truth behind the bones
D. William’s actions to advance medicine should be appreciated
7. What best describes the perception of dissections in paragraph 4?
A. Inevitable result
B. Highly illegal
C. Morally acceptable
D. Ethically ambiguous
8. What closely names the logical structure of the fourth paragraph?
A. Causal structure
B. Comparative structure
C. Sequential structure
D. Spatial structure
9. What best describes resurrectionists in paragraph 4?
A. Religious figures who restore the dead to life
B. Body snatchers employed by anatomists
C. Conservationists who recycle useless things in useful ways
D. Mad scientists
10. The primary purpose of the passage is
A. To inform the readers of the plausible explanation regarding the discovery
B. To spark a debate around Franklin’s morality
C. To tarnish Franklin’s virtuous reputation
D. To convince the reader that resurrectionists were detrimental to society