In 1837 a young Hungarian boy called Iguatz von Peczely cared for an owl with a broken leg. He noticed a black stripe in its eye, which became paler as the leg healed. More than 30 years later, having qualified as a naturopathic physician, Peczely found the same complaint. His research into the 200 or so markings in the coloured part of the eye, which are unique to each person’s health from their eyes is the basis of modern iridology.
From The Guardian 27th Novermber 2005
In 1850 Florence Nightingale saved a baby owl from some boys who were tormenting it in Athens, smuggled it home, and christened it Athena. To be persuaded to enter a cage, the owl had to be mesmerised, but soon became a devoted companion.
She would perch on her mistress’s finger for feeds, as well as bow and curtsy on a table, but her life came to a rather sad end in 1855.
On hearing of Florence’s imminent departure for the Crimea, the family left Athena shut in an attic. Starved of the attention she craved, the owl – it seems – died of a fit, leaving her owner heartbroken.
Following Florence’s instructions, the bird was taken to London and embalmed. It remains in very good condition and was recently conserved by the National Trust, who for a time had it on display at Claydon House in Buckinghamshire.
Florence Nightingale’s sister, Parthenope wrote and illustrated a book: The Life and Death of Athena an Owlet.
From The 24 Hour Museum 29th July 2004
