Lincoln artifact sought for analysis

PHILADELPHIA, April 13 (UPI) -- Blood and brain matter from former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln that is on part of a pillowcase at a Philadelphia museum is being sought for DNA testing.

Scientists say they want the material, saying it could help solve a medical mystery -- was the president dying of brain cancer at the time of his death -- the Philadelphia Inquirer reported Monday.

Lincoln was assassinated 144 years ago while watching a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington.

Dr. John Sotos, a cardiologist, says he wants to test the pillowcase to confirm whether Lincoln had a rare genetic cancer syndrome called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B.

The pillowcase is held by the Grand Army of the Republic Museum and Library. The museum's board will decide how to proceed, likely at its May 5 meeting, the newspaper reported.

"This is the Shroud of Turin of Civil War history," said Andy Waskie, a board member, a Philadelphia historian, and an assistant professor of language and history at Temple University. "We are guardians in trusteeship of this extraordinarily important artifact."

The Shroud of Turin, which appears to bear the imprint of a man, is widely believed to be Jesus' burial cloth.