The Egyptian Public Works Department and its experts, against whom
there has been no hint of incom- petence as yet, are hard at work in the tomb of Tutankh- amen. They have reached the mummy itself. The golden mask upon the face has not yet been moved; but other parts of the body, though in a bad state of preservation, give the medical men proofs that the Pharaoh was not more than eighteen years old at the time of his death. There seems to be a lavish quantity of gold and precious stones about the body, amulets, bracelets, gold finger stalls and sandals. There are also daggers and other examples of astonishingly refined metal and jewel work. The innermost coffin itself is probably the largest piece of solid gold work known and is most beautifully embossed and engraved. The work is much impeded by the gums and spices which . have almost solidified the whole contents. The revelation of refined workmanship is the real addition to our knowledge, since the history that is confirmed was already known and no new papyri have been found; • * *
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