How Were Galileo's Lost Fingers Finally Discovered?

  • Thread starter jtbell
  • Start date
In summary, four more fingers of Galileo Galilei have been found, all of which are displayed in a museum in Florence, Italy. It is unknown where the fingers came from, but it is speculated that they may have come from his remains after his death. It is also speculated that the previous owner of the fingers may have been a member of Galileo's family, as the finger appears to be from his time period. It is odd that the fingers were auctioned off, as it raises questions about the legality of selling body parts.
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
jtbell said:
One of Galileo's fingers has been on display for years in a museum in Florence, Italy. Now a couple more have turned up:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/europe/11/23/galileo.fingers/index.html

Well then that is quite an amazing story I must admit. Something you would read about in say Dan Browns novels :-p.

It's kind of creepy that they cut off his 3 fingers and took his tooth though, regardless of what they were doing or thought they would receive from it.

I've always wondered what people receive for bring things like this to the museums to display. Do they get money or something?
 
  • #3
I'm more puzzled about why an auction house would let someone auction fingers and teeth?! Maybe selling body parts isn't illegal in that part of the world, but wouldn't it at least raise an eyebrow to question where they came from?

And, then I have to wonder about the previous owner...why would you want to OWN someone's fingers and tooth? I mean, I work in an anatomy lab. I see body parts preserved in jars all the time, but that's still not something I'd want to bring into my home!
 
  • #4
Moonbear said:
I'm more puzzled about why an auction house would let someone auction fingers and teeth?!
I thought that was quite odd. How would one list such a thing? Item 35 - A jar of fingers and a tooth, origins unknown.
 
  • #5
Moonbear said:
I'm more puzzled about why an auction house would let someone auction fingers and teeth?! Maybe selling body parts isn't illegal in that part of the world, but wouldn't it at least raise an eyebrow to question where they came from?

And, then I have to wonder about the previous owner...why would you want to OWN someone's fingers and tooth? I mean, I work in an anatomy lab. I see body parts preserved in jars all the time, but that's still not something I'd want to bring into my home!

Lol, this is all true. Maybe however the previous owner was part of the family that original owned the fingers and tooth knowing it was Galileo's and over time it was just lost knowledge.

It is extremely odd it was sold at an auction though. It's not like they could try to say they were selling the urn they were in because the article clearly mentions everyone knew there were fingers and a tooth inside of it lol.
 
  • #6
Moonbear said:
And, then I have to wonder about the previous owner...why would you want to OWN someone's fingers and tooth? I mean, I work in an anatomy lab. I see body parts preserved in jars all the time, but that's still not something I'd want to bring into my home!

After Einstein died, the pathologist who did the autopsy kept his brain for many years, carrying it around with him when he moved from one part of the country to another.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Einstein's_brain

The brain sections had been preserved in alcohol in 2 large mason jars within a cider box for over 20 years.
 
  • #7
Havn't you guys heard about Rasputin's penis?

"[URL
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #8
jobyts said:
Havn't you guys heard about Rasputin's penis?

"[URL
[/URL]

No, I never thought to ask!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #9
Having seen Galileo's finger on display in Florence (great museum just around the corner of the Uffizi), the best part is that it displays his middle finger, upright, facing rome.
 
  • #10
I'm really glad they've been found.I've been looking for them everywhere.
 
  • #11
Its not surprising that these were bought at auction as it seems that the practice of removing fingers for relics was fairly common. At the auction, they most likely assumed that these were relics from an unknown source. I bet it was exciting to realize what this was and be able to buy it cheaply. Kind of like a real National Treasure story without all the intrigue.

I bet antique road show would have been excited.
 

FAQ: How Were Galileo's Lost Fingers Finally Discovered?

1. What is the significance of Galileo's missing fingers being found?

Galileo's missing fingers being found is significant because it sheds light on a mysterious aspect of the famous scientist's life and potentially provides insight into his work and legacy.

2. How were Galileo's missing fingers found?

Galileo's missing fingers were found through a combination of historical research, forensic analysis, and DNA testing. The process involved studying records and artifacts related to Galileo's life and using modern technology to analyze remains believed to belong to him.

3. Why were Galileo's fingers missing in the first place?

Galileo's fingers were likely removed after his death as a form of relic collecting, a common practice during the time period. It is also possible that they were removed during his burial as a way to prevent his body from being stolen or desecrated.

4. What do the missing fingers reveal about Galileo's life and death?

The missing fingers reveal that even after his death, Galileo's body was subject to various forms of manipulation and exploitation. They also provide evidence of the impact and legacy of his work, as people sought to possess a physical remnant of the famous scientist.

5. Are there any other significant discoveries related to Galileo's remains?

Yes, in addition to the missing fingers being found, it was also discovered that Galileo's body had been buried in a hidden tomb within the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, Italy. This discovery has sparked further interest and research into Galileo's life and the circumstances surrounding his burial.

Similar threads

What Science Facts Were Discovered in 2017?
Replies
26
Views
4K
What are the Global Impacts of Extreme Heatwaves in 2021?
2
Replies
42
Views
3K
I've been feeling lost as of late.
Replies
6
Views
1K
Geological deposits of hydrogen
Replies
2
Views
2K
News The Man Who Might Have Become Sultan
Replies
4
Views
2K
Brazilian Model's Story: Life Too Short for 20-Year-Old
Replies
3
Views
2K
This is why EM interference can be an issue....
2
Replies
50
Views
7K
We finally got hit by the winter weather
2
Replies
49
Views
5K
News Malaysia Airlines flight crashes in Ukraine
4
Replies
108
Views
17K
Rare gold coin from 1420s discovered in Newfoundland, Canada
Replies
2
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top