SEM-EDX and mtDNA Analyses of the Penis of Napoléon

Author(s): Gérard Lucotte, Stéphan Borensztajn

Objective: we report here results obtained concerning analyses of the putative penis of Napoléon. Methods: SEM-EDX and mtDNA analyses on samples of this penis are realized. Results : SEM-EDX studies show that the samples are relatively rich in calcium phosphate, and consequently that the “penis” is more likely a piece of tendon; mt-DNA analyses, realized on two samples, showed the presence of the 16184T mutation only, confirming that the tendon is well that of Napoléon.

mtDNA Sequences, 16184T Mutation, Napoléon’s Penis, SEM-EDX Analyses, Tendon

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