Indeed, the story is a bit creepy, but a the same time, fascinating. Lajos Arányi (1812-1887) was a doctor, a famous Hungarian physician. Arányi made several experiments, trying to figure out how to preserve bodies in an effective way and he was successful – apparently, the body has to be kept at 21°Cand 42% humidity, without direct light.

The doctor’s beloved son died in diphtheria at a very early age. Not being able to bear the thought of his son being gone forever, Arányi decided to embalm his 6-year-old son’s body and keep his body on a chair close to his desk. The mummy can be seen in the museum until May 17.

photos:erdekesvilag.hu

Embalming was not only customary in Ancient Egypt, but, according to experts, it was popular in the 19th century as well, at least in high places. The famous Hungarian doctor also helped preserve the body of Emperor Franz Joseph the I’s child, Sophie who died at an early age, too. Furthermore, he carried out an autopsy on his own daughter, trying to find out why she also passed away young.