A group of forensic anthropologists have completed a meticulous analysis of a set of real human anatomy displays from 19C Italy. Using CT scans and other chemical analysis, the group determined that, some 200 years ago, anatomist Giovan Battista Rini "petrified" the corpses with a mercury and other heavy metals. He injected some tinctures and used others as baths. The eyes are fake. Basically, Rini was modern medicine's first "Body Worlds" guy.

The researchers will publish their findings in a journal called Clinical Anatomy. They say the mummies have a "wooden consistency" and are fantastically well preserved.

[Daily Mail, National Geographic, Images via Dario Piombino-Mascali, EURAC, and Clinical Anatomy/Wiley]