A life that lasts 150 years is no longer just a madman’s quest
Humans have always dreamt of living for ever. Now some of the world’s richest men are investing in the science of immortality, bringing the possiblity of not only keeping us alive longer but holding back ageing and ill health
When the young woman arrived at Pope Innocent VIII’s sick bed, she saw a gaunt and dying man, a mere “inert mass of flesh”. In that sticky summer of 1492, courtiers were circling and cardinals were scheming. Death seemed inevitable.
Facing mortality can test the sternest of faiths. As Bishop of Rome, albeit one with the occasional illegitimate-child-shaped lapse, Innocent was assured of eternal life in Heaven. It seems he wanted a little bit more on Earth though. So it was that, as instructed, the woman pressed her breast to his lips, letting him suckle a few drops of milk.
Still he deteriorated. So, and here the historical record becomes contested, according to one chronicler a new treatment was proposed. His holiness, a physician suggested,
