Stiff (Post #3 pgs.222-292)

In the last few chapters of Stiff, Roach examines more ways cadavers have been useful to the advancements of science. She takes things one step closer, when introducing the ideas of cannibalism, mellified man, the use of the placenta, fecal matter, and alternative ways to cremate bodies. Roach finishes out the book on a strong note, with plenty more expert opinion, backed up with facts, quotes, exerpts, and countless rhetorical questions. She also doesn't cease to spread her humor within the given facts and her personal experiences with some of these described scientist. Roach also appeals to logic as she describes the beliefs by which countries such as China, find human cannibalism a traditional thing, but how in American we would consider plain crazy or completely out of the question. I found the last few chapters very interesting as Mary Roach investigated the mellified man and cannibalism as a whole. Some of the information really suprised me as she discussed the use of the placenta, fecal matter, saliva, urine, and other bodily matter that has been used to cure (or believed to) or help physical injuries or diseases. Later in the chapters, Roach tells of alternatives to traditional cremation or casket funerals,introducing an "enviromentaly friendly" way of using cadavers as compost instead of adding to the environmental issues that already exists today. As the book winds down, Roach finally faces herself with the big question of whether she'll donate her body to science, after deep consideration and examination of cadavers in their many uses. Stiff was both informative and suprisingly enjoyable considering the humor of the author and the questions sparked while reading the book.

Clarification:
Was the mummy elixir the same thing as the mellified man? From my uderstanding people ate both of them for treatment, so I found this very confusing. HELP!

Application:
After learning about cadavers throughout the book Stiff, have you changed your opinions about donating your body to science, or are they still the same?

My Statement (possible discussion):
I truly cannot believe the fact that there are really cannibals out there. What do you think can possibly drive someone to eat another human being, especially someones buttocks or breast (238)? A human is a human, reguardless of the part!