The forgotten humans

[cornerofmadness]

Yesterday I was helping L. to identify animal skulls for a class and we were digging around deep in the storage areas. I found a lonely human pelvis on one shelf. It's very brown, it's connections loose and it's very dirty. I'm going to take him (or her, i didn't look closely yet) to my lab and clean the bones up. then I spotted a box on top of some shelving and wondered what it was. We were hoping for coyote or opposum.

the box was very dusty but I pulled it open. inside was a human skeleton. It was so small. the head was missing. The label, once cleaned, said it should have been in there. The bones were tiny. The foot fit in the palm of my hand. It's an adult skeleton, of course, but what a small person they were. Since they're usually sold as hemi-skeletons I only have half a hip (if it's even in there) so I'm not sure if this poor forgotten soul was male or female. I'm keeping her/him regardless. I'll put them in my lab so s/he can sure her purpose when s/he donated herself: to teach others.

Also if you don't hear from me, my internet is out at home. Sigh. I hope it's fixed by the holidays.

Comments

[eglantine-br.livejournal.com]

Thank you for remembering theses anons, and honoring them as people. How old do you think the skeletons are?

Also I have a squee-ish joy, because skeletons are neat! I wonder what you will find out when you have a closer look.

[cornerofmadness.livejournal.com]

the pelvis is old. I wouldn't be surprised if she's been gone for nearly a century much like the old fellow I call Dexter who hangs in my lab. He was some doctor's in-office skeleton back in the 30's or 40's.

It's harder to say about the one in the box but I've been here for 7 years and I've never seen that box. So she's probably been gone for decades.

Me too. I love workin with my skeleton. I considered going into forensic anthropology but realized I wouldn't have the patience for it nor the fortitude to go into the field

[havocmangawip.livejournal.com]

I'm always so so careful when I'm handling "used to be alive" specimens.

Good for you for finding them and making them ready to be used for their original intentions.

[cornerofmadness.livejournal.com]

that's good. I always tell them, these were real people, respect them.

I can't wait til I get a moment where I lay out these bones and really see what I have

[evil-little-dog.livejournal.com]

Poor forgotten bits. I'm sure you'll give them a good home.

[cornerofmadness.livejournal.com]

They'll be in my lab as pro exhibits

[evil-little-dog.livejournal.com]

Very cool.

[priarani560.livejournal.com]

That's fascinating.

And lovely to think that he/she is going to be in your lab.

[cornerofmadness.livejournal.com]

It was so bizarre how something that important (not to mention expensive) could be lost

[0-mother-0.livejournal.com]

THANK YOU for honoring those poor bones - I fear so many end up forgotten or tossed :(

[cornerofmadness.livejournal.com]

at their price, it would be crazy to toss them but yes they do get forgotten