Fascinating methods and materials for preserving dead bodies from decomposition were used by different populations in any time for various reasons. During the XVIII-XIX centuries, the necessity of preserving bodies increased, in order to improve anatomical studies, and many methods were developed. Girolamo Segato (1792-1836) devoted himself to the art of "petrifaction", discovering a particular procedure, which permitted him to obtain amazing results. His sudden death prevented him from revealing his method: recent studies have disclosed unexpected contacts between Segato and American scientists, who were very interested in his work.