January 26, 2004
More Lewis & Clark news
For only the second time, historians and scientists have found physical evidence that pinpoints a famed campsite used by the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Meriwether Lewis named it in his journals: Travelers' Rest.Read the full article here.The five-year study may persuade the National Park Service to correct the location it listed years ago -- off by 1 1/2 miles -- in the National Register of Historic Places. . .
Historians and scientists used a variety of methods to prove the exact location of Travelers' Rest.
Aerial infrared photography showed evidence of tepee rings. Historical research matched coordinates of latitude and longitude recorded by Lewis and Clark. Archaeological digs turned up a latrine, a late-18th century button and lead.
Vapor analysis verified the presence of mercury beneath the old latrine. Mercury, which does not decompose, was the major ingredient in a powerful laxative carried on the expedition.
Posted by David on January 26, 2004 9:07 PM
Mercury as a powerful laxative? A Hungarian immigrant once told me that when he and his army buddies back in Hungary really wanted to hurt one of the farmers they shared a bar with (they were competing for the affections of way too few local women) they would slip mercury in his beer. He claims that a single drop causes "total diarrhea" in under 2 seconds. Powerful indeed, if true.
Posted by: Dr. Weevil on January 26, 2004 10:36 PM
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