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Spontaneous Human Combustion
People burst into flames with no apparent source. The body burns intensely but surroundings remain untouched. Legs often survive. 200+ cases documented. Science says wick effect. But what ignites them?
1600s - Present
Worldwide
200+ witnesses
Spontaneous Human Combustion defies easy explanation.
The Phenomenon
What’s found:
- Body largely destroyed
- Extreme heat
- Surroundings intact
- Often extremities remain
- Greasy residue
Famous Cases
Notable incidents:
- Mary Reeser (1951)
- Dr. John Bentley (1966)
- Henry Thomas (1980)
- Michael Faherty (2010)
- Hundreds more
The Pattern
Common features:
- Victims often alone
- Usually elderly
- Near heat source sometimes
- Alcohol sometimes involved
- Not always
The Wick Effect
Scientific explanation:
- Body fat as fuel
- Clothing as wick
- Small ignition source
- Slow burn
- Intense heat contained
The Problems
What doesn’t fit:
- Some victims healthy
- Some not near ignition
- Speed of destruction
- Selectivity of burn
- Unexplained ignition
The Mystery
Remains unexplained:
- What starts it?
- Why so localized?
- Why extremities survive?
- Why so complete?
- Over 200 cases