Edinburgh’s 17 Mini Mummies: A 17th-Century Enigma
Until now, scientists are still looking for a solution to the mystery of these microscopic mummies in Edinburgh…
When talking about mummies, the first thing that comes to mind is usually Egypt, the homeland of the pharaohs with the great art of mummification in ancient times. However, in the legendary land of Arthur’s Seat in the United Kingdom, there are also extremely famous and mysterious mummies. These are not mummies of kings or humans, but rather they are mummies of strange effigies…
Arthur’s Seat is a hilly area located to the east of Edinburgh Castle, in the city of Edinburgh, Scotland. This is one of the legendary places in the United Kingdom: it is said that this place is home to the legendary Camelot Castle, owned by the famous King Arthur.
In 1836 one of the discoveries that shocked the Western world occurred here. The London Times, of July 20 of that year, described a strange event as follows: “Five boys, while hunting hares on Arthur’s Seat, discovered a strange cliff. Somehow, they entered a small cave and found 17 tiny mummies. Each mummy measures only 3 to 4 inches long (about 10 cm).
The five boys were completely stunned and amazed. Completely different from the common notion of large mummies wrapped in white bandages, the Arthur’s Seat mummies are very small in size. More precisely, there are 17 mummies in the form of wooden effigies with 17 corresponding coffins. Each mannequin has meticulous and unique costumes, just like a real person.
According to the description, these 17 mummies are arranged in 3 horizontal rows, 2 rows with 8 mummies and 1 row with 1 mummy. This is a confusing layout structure that has never been seen before in history.
Although there were many questions surrounding the mummies at the time of their discovery, it is unclear why this story gradually fell into oblivion for more than 60 years.
At first, even the five children who discovered it were not very interested in what they found. An article published in the London Times in 1836 reported that these children burned that small wooden coffin immediately after finding them.
Fortunately, a professor named Ferguson “except” those coffins. He brought them home and was the first to open the lids of the small chests, discovering mummies inside.
At this time, there are no longer historical documents recording the investigation of 17 tiny mummies. According to locals, these mummies in turn became collections of some individuals and were inadvertently lost. The story of the little mummy of Arthur’s Seat Hill gradually fell into oblivion.
In 1901, 65 years after the discovery, tiny mummies reappeared. This time, 8 of the 17 coffins were found and donated to the National Museum of Scotland. This was also the time when the first serious research into the secrets of tiny mummies was carried out.
Through research, all the mummies were made of wood carved with knives. They all have one thing in common: they all lost an arm. According to scientists, it is likely that these mummies lost an arm so that the author who made them could easily sew, dress and disguise them.
Furthermore, of the eight remaining corpses, only three had their edges trimmed and rounded. Archaeologists have since concluded that at least two people created these mummies together.
Furthermore, through the research of two experts, Simpson and Menefee, into the mummy’s clothing, they confirmed that these works could not have been created before 1812, the time when cotton replaced linen in Scotland.
Many hypotheses have been proposed to explain the origin of these microscopic mummies. Local people believe that they are magical effigies in the service of a certain witch. Or simply, they are amulets that Scottish sailors made before going to sea. But both opinions are more spiritual and lack authenticity.
The theory supported by some intellectuals is that the mummies above belong to two notorious murderers from Scotland in the early 19th century: Burke and Hare. Consequently, these two murderers killed 17 innocent people in the 1820s, causing terror in this country.
The number 17 matches exactly the original number of mummies on Arthur’s Seat hill. However, the above hypothesis still faces some objections from many people. The reason is that among Burke and Hare’s 17 victims there were 12 women, but the mummy costumes were mostly men’s clothing.
To this day, the mystery behind Edinburgh’s tiny mummies remains unsolved. And furthermore, the whereabouts of those 9 missing mummies are still unknown…
Review: Top 10 Healthcare Services in the USA
The U.S. healthcare industry is a complex ecosystem of providers, insurers, and technology-driven services, delivering critical care to millions. In 2025, the sector is shaped by rising costs (projected at $4.9 trillion in 2023), technological innovation, and a focus on patient-centric care. Below is a detailed review of the top 10 healthcare services in the USA, based on market presence, patient outcomes, and industry impact.
1. HCA Healthcare
HCA Healthcare, based in Nashville, Tennessee, is the largest health system, operating 220 hospitals and over 40,000 staffed beds across 20 states. Known for comprehensive services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialty treatments, it generates significant net patient revenue. Its scale and advanced technology adoption ensure high-quality care, though accessibility varies by region.
2. Universal Health Services (UHS)
UHS manages 183 hospitals across 40 states, with over 21,000 beds, focusing on acute care and behavioral health. Its facilities in Texas, Florida, and California provide diverse services, from trauma care to psychiatric treatment. UHS’s emphasis on mental health integration aligns with 2025 trends, though high costs can be a barrier.
3. Encompass Health Corporation
With 164 hospitals, Encompass is the largest operator of rehabilitation hospitals, offering specialized post-acute care for stroke, brain injury, and spinal cord injury patients. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, it operates in 37 states, delivering measurable outcomes through therapy-focused programs. Its niche focus limits broader service scope.
4. CommonSpirit Health
A Catholic-affiliated system with 142 hospitals, CommonSpirit provides acute care, outpatient services, and telehealth across 21 states. It excels in community health programs and equitable access, serving underserved populations. Its integration of AI for diagnostics enhances efficiency, but merger-related challenges can affect consistency.
5. Ascension Health
Ascension operates 139 hospitals, focusing on primary care, oncology, and cardiology. With a mission-driven approach, it serves low-income communities through charity care programs. Its adoption of value-based care (VBC) models, projected to cover 90 million lives by 2027, improves outcomes but faces staffing shortages.
6. Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is a leading integrated healthcare provider, combining insurance and care delivery for 12.5 million members. Its ACA marketplace plans are top-rated for affordability and quality, with low deductibles and strong preventive care. Operating in eight states, its HMO model ensures coordinated care but limits patient choice.
7. Aetna (CVS Health)
Aetna, under CVS Health, provides health insurance and healthcare services, covering 39 million lives. Its ACA plans offer competitive premiums and broad networks, with telehealth and pharmacy integration via CVS. Aetna’s focus on chronic disease management and AI-driven care navigation boosts outcomes, though rural access is limited.
8. Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic, based in Rochester, Minnesota, is renowned for specialized care in oncology, cardiology, and neurology. With 70,000 staff and three major campuses, it serves 1.3 million patients annually. Its research-driven approach and high patient satisfaction earn it top rankings, but costs and geographic reach are drawbacks.
9. Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic, with 23 hospitals, is a leader in cardiac care and medical innovation, serving patients across Ohio, Florida, and Nevada. Its adoption of cloud computing and AI for diagnostics enhances precision medicine. High costs and limited national presence restrict accessibility for some.
10. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
BCBS, a federation of 34 independent companies, insures 115 million Americans, offering PPO, HMO, and EPO plans. Its ACA marketplace plans are widely available, with strong provider networks and wellness programs. BCBS’s focus on digital health tools and equitable access is notable, though premiums vary by state.
Choosing the Right Service
Selecting a healthcare service depends on location, medical needs, and budget. HCA and UHS offer broad hospital-based care, while Kaiser and Aetna excel in integrated insurance and delivery. Mayo and Cleveland Clinic are ideal for specialized treatments, and BCBS provides flexible insurance options. Compare costs (e.g., average ACA premium: $635/month), provider networks, and patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades or U.S. News. With 26 million uninsured Americans and rising costs, prioritize services with telehealth, preventive care, and VBC to maximize value.
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