The Feb. 23rd Newsweek had an article about scientists using some Abraham Lincoln DNA to determine whether or not he suffered from some diseases.
The National Museum of Health and Medicine has a glass case housing parts of the man himself: blood from the handcuff of the surgeon's shirt, snippets of his chocolate brown hair, and a handful of bone fragments removed from his skull.
Scientists have been wondering about the president's health for years. Was he suffering from malaria, small pox, depression, even syphilis? There is also discussion about three rare genetic disorders: Marfan Syndrome, spinocerebellar ataxia 5 and multiple endocrine neoplasia 2B. These should be used in spelling bees, were they ever hard to type at just one letter at a time.
ATAXIA 5
If he had this, another 90 relatives of his had it from his paternal aunt and uncle. If so, he would be a great example of someone overcoming physical challenges to achieve greatness.
MARFAN SYNDROME
Characterized by a tall, lanky body, long face, and deep-set eyes (Lincoln sure had these). If he had it, he outlived most and probably wouldn't have lived much longer.
One worry, however, is that the remnants could be damaged or lost (or stolen) in checking them.
I'm not sure where I stand on this question. It would be something to know, but then, there goes the mystery.
Oh, Well. Happy 200th A.L.. --Cooter
Being an account of some things I'm interested in, what I'm doing, and reflections on my past, especially music.
Listen to this man. Seven years of college, you know. Trying to reason with 2020 and, now, 2022.
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