Eating the flesh of mummies was a common 16th-century practice in Europe. People believed that, because mummies contained a black tar called bitumen with healing properties, a powder made from the ground up bodies would cure illnesses.
Prince Charles has a Sussex trug.
Before his death, Bing Crosby specified that his grave be dug to a depth of nine feet to allow his second wife’s casket to be placed atop his if she wished.
The human heart provides enough energy in an hour to lift a one-ton, medium-size car one yard off the ground.
The giant anteater has no teeth.
This article appears in February 15 • 2002.