# CT Scans Reveal Chronic Dental Pain in Jeremy Bentham’s Preserved Head Advanced imaging confirms the philosopher suffered from severe dental decay and jaw arthritis. - **Source:** [All Articles | Discover Magazine](https://www.discovermagazine.com/rss/all) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [science](https://brifing.si/c/science) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/44610c1f-9ead-436c-9b7e-6d2a9abc0a90 ## Philosopher's Final Request Jeremy Bentham, the influential philosopher who founded University College London, left specific instructions in his 1832 will. He requested that his body be dissected and preserved as an auto-icon, a lasting likeness of himself. Since 1850, his skeleton has been displayed in his own clothes within the university's science collections. ## Modern Diagnostic Imaging Researchers recently utilized advanced CT scanning technology to examine Bentham’s preserved head without causing any physical damage to the remains. Because the head was wider than the scanner's standard field, the team captured front and back images separately. These were then merged into a single, comprehensive 3D model for analysis. ## Evidence of Chronic Pain The scans confirmed that Bentham suffered from significant dental damage and an arthritic jaw. These findings align perfectly with his personal correspondence from 1830, where he described enduring agonizing toothaches. He even documented treating his severe nerve pain by applying a heated knitting needle directly to the affected area. ## Preservation Techniques Analyzed The imaging process provided new insights into how the head was preserved after his death. While the brain was successfully removed, the scan revealed that the dura mater, a tough membrane, remains attached to the skull. Additionally, the glass eyes were found to accurately replicate the structure of the optic nerve. ## Scientific Legacy Continued Tim Causer of the Bentham Project noted that the philosopher was a strong advocate for experimentation and observation. The team believes Bentham would have approved of this non-invasive study. By digitizing the remains, curators have ensured that this historical object can be studied and protected for future generations of researchers. ## Technological Applications The 3D data generated from the scans allows for the creation of printed skull replicas. These models serve as valuable tools for healthcare professionals, museum curators, and archaeologists. This digital preservation method allows experts to generate new knowledge about the past without risking the integrity of the original human remains. ## Historical Context of Auto-icons Thomas Southwood Smith, who originally prepared the auto-icon, struggled to preserve the real head effectively for public viewing. Consequently, a wax replacement was created, and the authentic head was stored in a wooden box in 1948. It is currently kept in a secure safe, protected from environmental degradation and light. ## Future Research Potential This project highlights the intersection of medical physics and historical preservation. Beyond confirming Bentham's physical suffering, the study opens doors for potential facial reconstruction projects. By combining historical records with modern imaging, scholars can now better understand the daily life and physical reality of figures from the nineteenth century. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.discovermagazine.com/scans-of-jeremy-bentham-s-centuries-old-head-show-the-dental-damage-behind-his-accounts-of-agonizing-toothache-49923 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._