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Bone Fragment Likely Not Joan of Arc
Prolly Jean of Arc.
A rib bone and a piece of cloth supposedly recovered after Joan of Arc was burned at the stake are probably not hers, according to experts trying to unravel one of the mysteries surrounding the 15th century French heroine.

Eighteen experts began a series of tests six months ago on the fragments reportedly recovered from the pyre where the 19-year-old was burned for heresy.

Although the tests have not been completed, findings so far indicate there is 'relatively little chance' that the remnants are hers, Philippe Charlier, the head of the team, told The Associated Press on Saturday. The fragment of linen from the 15th century 'wasn't burned. It was dyed,' Charlier said. And a blackened substance around the 6-inch rib bone was not 'carbonized remains' but vegetable and mineral debris, 'something that rather resembles embalming substance,' he said.
Posted by: .com 2006-12-17
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=175319