WHO DIED AT THE AGE OF ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-TWO YEARS
MADE BY
WILLIAM HARVEY
OTHERS OF THE KING’S PHYSICIANS BEING PRESENT
ON THE 16TH OF NOVEMBER, THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTHDAY OF HER SERENE HIGHNESS HENRIETTA MARIA, QUEEN OF GREAT BRITAIN, FRANCE AND IRELAND
[This account first appeared in the work of Dr. Betts, entitled: “De Ortu et Natura Sanguinis,” 8vo, London, 1669, the MS. having been presented to Betts by Mr. Michael Harvey, nephew of the author, with whom Betts was on terms of intimacy.]
ANATOMICAL EXAMINATION OF THE BODY OF THOMAS PARR
Thomas Parr, a poor countryman, born near Winnington, in the county of Salop, died on the 14th of November, in the year of grace 1635, after having lived one hundred and fifty-two years and nine months, and survived nine princes. This poor man, having been visited by the illustrious Earl of Arundel when he chanced to have business in these parts, (his lordship being moved to the visit by the fame of a thing so incredible,) was brought by him from the country to London; and, having been most kindly treated by the earl both on the journey and during a residence in his own house, was presented as a remarkable sight to his Majesty the King.
Having made an examination of the body of this aged individual, by command of his Majesty, several of whose principal physicians were present, the following particulars were noted:
The body was muscular, the chest hairy, and the hair on the fore-arms still black; the legs, however, were without hair, and smooth.