The mystery surrounding the mummified infant was solved four centuries after his death, thanks to what scientists call a “virtual autopsy.” And they think he died in a matter that has gotten a lot of attention in recent years. Doctors have warned about it and urged daily actions to prevent it, especially during the COVID-19 epidemic.
The child was found in Hermondsedt, Austria, in a wooden coffin in the basement of Count Starchenberg. Belonging to a 17th-century upper-class family, he is one of the oldest aristocratic families in the country. Researchers at the Academic Clinic Munich Bogenhausen in Germany determined that the boy was most likely Reichardt Wilhelm, who died in 1625 or 1626.
The basement contained several members of the family. They were all buried in ornate metal coffins. What led to the child’s death at such a young age? Read on to find out what scientists have discovered.
A study published this week in the journal medical frontierThe boy’s remains were well preserved and mummified, allowing researchers to analyze his soft tissues. To do this, they used her CT scanner.
Meanwhile, radiocarbon dating allowed scientists to determine when he was alive. “According to our data, the infant was probably [the count’s] As the first born son after the construction of the family’s basement, special attention may have been given to it,” said Andreas Nerlich, lead author of the study.
After examining the child’s teeth and measuring bones, the research team found that he was between 12 and 18 months old when he died. The boy had dark hair, was overweight for his age, and was well nourished.
However, a CT scan revealed that his ribs were deformed, indicating metabolic bone disease. They occurred in a pattern called “rachitic rosary,” a condition in which bony bumps develop at the junction of the ribs and cartilage. It is usually seen in severe cases of rickets and scurvy. The scan also revealed lung inflammation characteristic of pneumonia.
To the researchers, this indicated that the infant was still malnourished even though he had been fed enough to put on enough weight. It suggests that he developed a vitamin D deficiency after being kept away.
Rickets is primarily caused by vitamin C deficiency, and vitamin D deficiency is associated with several serious illnesses, including respiratory disease. Scientists concluded that the child died of pneumonia, which may have been partly due to his malnutrition.
Scientists noted that in the 17th century, the upper classes avoided the sun. Pale skin was considered desirable and a sign of wealth. Only the workers toiled in the sun and got tanned.
“The combination of obesity and severe vitamin deficiency can only be explained by a generally ‘good’ nutritional status, in addition to an almost complete lack of sun exposure.” We need to rethink the living conditions of young children.”
“This is just one example, but we know that early infant mortality was generally very high at the time, so our observations suggest that even among infants of higher social class, It can have a significant impact on overall life reconstruction,” said Nerlich.
Today, experts advise Americans to get enough vitamins C and D. May weaken the immune system, a particular concern during the COVID pandemic. Vitamin C deficiency is rare in the United States, but most Americans do not get enough vitamin D, which is produced by the body when exposed to sunlight. Therefore, some experts recommend daily vitamin D supplementation.
