Dr. James Hiram Bedford, a professor at the University of California and a World War I veteran, made history not for his academic or military accomplishments, but for being the first person to undergo cryonic preservation. This experimental process involves preserving a human body or brain at extremely low temperatures after death, with hopes of revival in the future.
Bedford, a wealthy individual, was diagnosed with kidney cancer that had metastasized to his lungs in 1967. At a time when medical technology was still in its infancy, he turned to an unusual alternative inspired by Dr. Robert Ettinger’s book, The Prospect of Immortality. Dr. Ettinger, often called the father of cryonics, founded the Cryonics Institute, which offers services to freeze bodies after death for potential revival when medical advancements allow.
Intrigued by this concept, Bedford requested to be cryonically preserved. On January 12, 1967, shortly after his death, his body underwent the procedure. His blood was drained and replaced with dimethyl sulfoxide to protect his internal organs. Bedford was then placed in a tank of liquid nitrogen at a temperature of minus 196 degrees Celsius.
Twenty-four years later, Alcor, an organization specializing in cryonics, reopened Bedford's cryogenic tank to assess the condition of his body. Despite minor discoloration on his chest and neck, the preservation was deemed successful. Remarkably, his face appeared younger than his 73 years at the time of death, and his corneas displayed a chalky-white appearance typical of ice.
After inspection, Bedford was rewrapped in a new sleeping bag and returned to his nitrogen tank, where he remains today. Over 50 years later, advancements in medical technology have yet to fulfill the promise of reviving cryonically preserved individuals.
In his final moments, Bedford reportedly said, "I want you to understand that I did not do this with the thought that I would be revived. I did this in the hope that one day my descendants will benefit from this wonderful scientific solution."
Related Reading: Learn more about cryonics and the science behind it at the Cryonics Institute.
