Old Parr: or how old is old?

Abstract

In 1635, the noted physician Sir William Harvey performed an autopsy on the body of Thomas Parr who was reported to have been 152 years old. Although there is little evidence to support Parr's age, historians agree that he had indeed reached an advanced age and was probably a centenarian. In his writings, Dr. Harvey left an interesting account of the autopsy, presenting a detailed description of the condition of Parr's body. He concluded that Parr's simple, active life-style probably contributed to his longevity and that the rich diet and polluted air of London probably contributed to his demise.