Meet Soapman, the 18th century Egyptian mummy made of soap!
By ANIWednesday, January 5, 2011
WASHINGTON - Scientists have revealed an 18th century Egyptian mummy that is made out of soap.
The mummy belongs to North America and lived in 18th-century Philadelphia. It was unearthed by accident during a construction project in Philadelphia in 1875.
However, unlike other mummies that are kept dry to preserve them, this one was exposed to water. The water then seeped into its casket and turned the body fats into soap, giving him the nickname ‘Soapman’.
When water reacts with the fats and oils, a reaction called hydrolysis, the result is glycerol and soap. The end result is called adipocere, or grave wax, reports Discovery News.
Soapman is currently housed at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, although he currently isn’t on public display. (ANI)
