A Turtle, a Pit of Bones, and Ben Franklin's Neighbor
When a mysterious pit of human and animal bones was uncovered beneath a London home, some suspected Ben Franklin might have had something to do with it.
But the real story may lie with his lesser-known neighbor, Dr. William Hewson—a pioneering 18th-century surgeon and the so-called Father of Hematology. Hewson conducted groundbreaking anatomical experiments, including one involving mercury and a sea turtle to trace the lymphatic system.
Could this strange experiment explain the remains found under Craven Street?
Was Franklin hiding a dark secret—or just living next to one?
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Part detective story, part true-life drama, SECRETS OF THE DEAD explores some of the most iconic moments in history to debunk myths and shed new light on past events. Using the latest investigative techniques, forensic science and historical examination to unearth new evidence, the series shatters accepted wisdom, challenges prevailing ideas, overturns existing hypotheses, spotlights forgotten mysteries, and ultimately rewrites history. The series has received ten CINE Golden Eagle Awards, five Gold Camera Awards at the US International Film & Video Festival, three News and Documentary Emmy Award nominations and a Chicago International Silver Hugo, among numerous other honors. The series is a production of The WNET Group.
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