Bizzare Fact of the Week - Auto Icon

Ever heard of Jeremy Bentham? He was a British philosopher (1748-1832) who advocated utilitarianism (the greatest happiness for the greatest number). What? That doesn't sound very interesting?

Well, some people have to die before their best ideas are realized. Bentham had this swell idea that dead bodies could be useful objects. So upon his death, his request was fulfilled to have his body made into an auto-icon, a flesh-covered statue on display if you will. Although the embalming process went terribly wrong, his buddies at University College London had a wax head made to put onto his body (comprised of his skeleton, stuffing, and his clothes). He is still proudly displayed in a glass box at the university. He's still a looker at 80 (+173).

Check him out: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/Bentham-Project/Faqs/auto_icon.htm