This artificial big toe, which was found on the foot of an ancient Egyptian mummy, has been dated to 1069- 664 BCE, and is on display at the Cairo Museum in Egypt.
Researchers from Manchester University's KNH Centre for Biomedical Egyptology have made a replica of the prosthesis to determine whether or not it was of any practical use.
They are seeking volunteers who have had their right toe amputated, in order to test their replica.
"If we can prove it was functional then we will have pushed back prosthetic medicine by as much as 700 years," said lead researcher Jacky Finch.
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Comments
I read this too fast and got the following:
Wowsers!
Posted by: Blake Stacey, OM | July 29, 2007 3:54 PM
Ha, this is just as bizarre as you suggested earlier. Love the photo! :) I also love that the toe in the best condition is the wooden one. . .
Posted by: bioephemera | July 29, 2007 4:04 PM