Francis Thackeray, a South African Anthropologist and the director of the Institute for Human Evolution at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, believes there may be sufficient evidence of Shakespeare smoking marijuana to dig up the poet's grave. Thackeray's unusual theory is based on the discovery of marijuana residue on a pipe in Shakespeare's garden in 2001. The anthropologist told Live Science that evidence for marijuana use would require the examination of fingernails, toenails or hair, which may or may not have been preserved in the gravesite.
Of course, the project is not without its controversy, as the sign on the grave reads, "Good friend for Jesus' sake forbear, / To dig the dust enclosed here. / Blessed be the man that spares these bones, / And cursed be he that moves my bones." Thackeray has issued a formal request to the Church of England to perform the procedure, but as of yet has received no reply.
In a strange way, the whole scenario seems to allude to the familiar theme of science dissecting a corpse to uncover the mysteries of the soul. Nevertheless, one can't help but wonder whether the Great Bard did partake in the ancient weed, and how that might have fuelled his unworldly inspiration. Were I the Church of England, I would find the decision unusually difficult.
Via LiveScience.
