The Library Company acknowledges that in the past it regarded the mummified hand as a curiosity, which is harmful and offensive. The Library Company aims to correct this by showing dignity and respect to the remains of a once living person., On the top of the box is a label in Francis Hopkinson's hand that reads: “Woman's Hand taken from an Egyptian Mummy: presented to the Library Company of Philadelphia by Mr. Benjamin West formerly of this City, but now of London - Historical Painter - November 1767.”, LCP Minutes vol. 1, Dec. 14, 1767, p. 253: “He [the secretary, Francis Hopkinson] reported that Mr. Benjamin West formerly of this City; but now of London, Historical Painter had presented the Company, with his respectful Complts. a Woman's Hand taken from an Egyptian Mummy in good Preservation. Ordered that the Secretary in the Name of this Board return Mr. West their respectful Complts. with many Thanks for the Present he has been pleased to make them; being a real & valuable Curiosity; but more particularly as Instance of Regard from a gentleman of this City who has distinguished himself by his extraordinary Abilities.”, Gift of Benjamin West, 1767., Exhibited in the Library Company's exhibition, Quarter of a Millennium (1981).
