Fiji Mermaid: A 19th-century puzzle undergoes cutting-edge radiological analysis
TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Oct 16, 2023, 09.00 AM IST
There are rare finds and discoveries that continue to baffle and intrigue scientists, igniting our curiosity. One such find hails from the late 19th century, known as the "Fiji Mermaid." Part monkey, part fish, and part reptile, this curious creature has found its way into the spotlight once again, thanks to a group of inquisitive students.
This fascinating tale began when a US sailor, who had ventured as far as Japan, brought the remains of the Fiji Mermaid back to Indiana in 1906. These remains were generously donated to the Clark County Historical Society, setting the stage for a mystery that has persisted for over a century.
Today, a group of students from Northern Kentucky University (NKU), working within the university's radiology department, is on a quest to unlock the secrets of this peculiar creature. Armed with cutting-edge technology, they aim to reveal the truth without sacrificing the artefact's integrity.
Amanda Nashalsky, a radiologic science major at NKU, shared her excitement, saying, "I think it's really cool. I have never seen anything like this. I wasn't really sure what to expect. Even looking up pictures of it online, it's so much smaller than I expected." The mystery is not limited to the creature's origin but also its size and nature.
Dr. Joseph Cress, a radiologic science professor at NKU, explained their approach: "With X-rays, we're the eyes of healthcare, and so, if we can see something without really dissecting it and holding the integrity of this artefact, then why not? We have the labs here at NKU and we have the CT scanner." This non-invasive method of investigation holds the key to unravelling the secrets without altering the artefact.
The results of this expedition will be shared with the Cincinnati Zoo and the Newport Aquarium, where experts will continue the investigation to determine the creature's precise composition and origins.
Natalie Fritz, archivist and outreach director for the Clark County Historical Society at the Heritage Center, revealed how the project came to fruition. Brian Hackett, an associate professor and director at NKU, contacted the Historical Society with the idea of conducting a CT scan on the artefact. Fritz remarked, "They were looking for a similar project, like an unknown antique, to shed some light on and give a good experience to the students in the radiology program... A unique experience to have for the students."
The Fiji Mermaid is not entirely unknown to history. In the 1800s, Fiji Mermaids were often featured in carnivals, museums, and travelling sideshows, capturing the imaginations of many. Even the legendary showman P.T. Barnum had one in his collection. Describing it as "an ugly dried-up, black-looking diminutive specimen, about three feet long. Its mouth was open, its tail turned over, and its arms thrown up, giving it the appearance of having died in great agony.
This fascinating tale began when a US sailor, who had ventured as far as Japan, brought the remains of the Fiji Mermaid back to Indiana in 1906. These remains were generously donated to the Clark County Historical Society, setting the stage for a mystery that has persisted for over a century.
Today, a group of students from Northern Kentucky University (NKU), working within the university's radiology department, is on a quest to unlock the secrets of this peculiar creature. Armed with cutting-edge technology, they aim to reveal the truth without sacrificing the artefact's integrity.
Amanda Nashalsky, a radiologic science major at NKU, shared her excitement, saying, "I think it's really cool. I have never seen anything like this. I wasn't really sure what to expect. Even looking up pictures of it online, it's so much smaller than I expected." The mystery is not limited to the creature's origin but also its size and nature.
Dr. Joseph Cress, a radiologic science professor at NKU, explained their approach: "With X-rays, we're the eyes of healthcare, and so, if we can see something without really dissecting it and holding the integrity of this artefact, then why not? We have the labs here at NKU and we have the CT scanner." This non-invasive method of investigation holds the key to unravelling the secrets without altering the artefact.
The results of this expedition will be shared with the Cincinnati Zoo and the Newport Aquarium, where experts will continue the investigation to determine the creature's precise composition and origins.
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Natalie Fritz, archivist and outreach director for the Clark County Historical Society at the Heritage Center, revealed how the project came to fruition. Brian Hackett, an associate professor and director at NKU, contacted the Historical Society with the idea of conducting a CT scan on the artefact. Fritz remarked, "They were looking for a similar project, like an unknown antique, to shed some light on and give a good experience to the students in the radiology program... A unique experience to have for the students."
The Fiji Mermaid is not entirely unknown to history. In the 1800s, Fiji Mermaids were often featured in carnivals, museums, and travelling sideshows, capturing the imaginations of many. Even the legendary showman P.T. Barnum had one in his collection. Describing it as "an ugly dried-up, black-looking diminutive specimen, about three feet long. Its mouth was open, its tail turned over, and its arms thrown up, giving it the appearance of having died in great agony.