The more I read, the less I know. I'm nearly positive that this is something demonstrated in life as well. It's frustrating, but reassuring. Backwards logic there, but I honestly like not knowing everything. Much more relaxing that way, less pressure. Still frustrating though.

A lot of the things that I thought would be super useful to my research ended up being dead ends. Burgundy pitch, sap from a Norwegian spruce tree. It does have some interesting connotations however, so I'm including the link to a brief article below in case anyone is interested.

Burgundy Pitch

Since burgundy pitch was a resin based material, the same conclusion had to been drawn about stone pitch. Oh well, I will get over this loss. Eventually. (Tears are running down my face. Metaphorically.)

Another dead end, dragon blood. One would think that this is actually some form of human material. They would be wrong. It is also a plant resin. This project has really started turning me off from plants. They are truly disgusting creatures. Ruining all my efforts in seeking out cannibalism.

Manna, that food in the bible, is also a plant. I feel justified in my hatred for them. I though it might have been Arabian mummy (created from drying out under the desert sands). It wasn't.

My disappointment is overwhelming. But I will persevere. I must.

Working and working and working. My progress has been slow and steady up to this point, and will undoubtedly continue to be so for a while more. I'm finishing up my primary sources now, focusing on the 18th century documents at this point. But I'm also searching for references to modern day cannibalism. The most obvious case that I've found in consumption of the placenta (aka the afterbirth).

It's supposed to be very nutritious for mom after baby has been born, since the placenta is filled with nutrients used to feed the fetus since conception. And since the primary DNA component of this organ belongs to the fetus, mom (or any other person) eating it is CANNIBALISM!! There are actually instances of people eating the placenta in the 21st century. Below is a link to video documenting four different pregnancies. One of the mothers saved the placenta and consumed it via smoothie for the potential nutrients. Additionally, there is a BuzzFeed video where a person tries eating the placental via pills.

Childbirth: All or Nothing
BuzzFeed

About half-way through the project timeline at this point, but the sources are still piling up. At this point, I have to start cutting documents out. Something that I'm doing based off of their dates (when they were created). I have limited time, but the most important part is that I cover as much time as possible. So if I have too many sources with similar dates, I'm going to have to cut some unfortunately.

Getting through these documents has become both easier and harder. I know what I'm looking for now, but getting through these documents is just taking way more time. I'd say that it's super stressful, though honestly I'm getting kind of excited. Since I'm about half-way through the documents, I can now start analyzing the data. Looking at what I've found and seeing what I can do with it. These past few months are starting to pay off!

I also got a new book, An Intellectual History of Cannibalism. I think that it's going to provide a great basis for general information about cannibalism in different areas, particularly the areas colonized by Europe. Here's to hoping!