Recently, tests have proved that Beethoven died from lead poisoning. Bill Walsh directed the Beethoven Research Project. Mr Walsh and his team examined pieces of bone belonging to Beethoven. They found a large amount of lead in the bone pieces. They said the lead levels were equal to those found in pieces of his hair in earlier studies of other scientists. 

Genetic tests proved the bone pieces and hair came from Beethoven. The researchers also examined bone fragments( from someone else who lived during the same period. Both were from the top of the skull. The fragments from Beethoven had more lead than those from the other person. Their study didn't find measurable levels of cadmium or mercury , which scientists used to consider were the causes of his health problems. 

Beethoven was sick for much of his life. He experienced strong stomach pains, a sign of lead poisoning, and a change of personality when he was around 20. He also got angry easily, and suffered from depression and hearing loss. His health problems became worse as Beethoven grew older. 

Walsh said the lead levels found in Beethoven's skull suggested the metal might have been present in his body for many years. He said although there had been recognized cases of deafness caused by lead poisoning, there was no strong evidence to suggest that lead poisoning was the cause of Beethoven's deafness. 

Ludwig van Beethoven visited many doctors to find a cure for his health problems. In a letter he wrote to a friend, he asked researchers to examine his body after he died so that other people would not have to suffer as he did.
What did recent tests prove about Beethoven? Who directed the Beethoven research project? Was Beethoven sick most of his life? What were some of the symptoms he had? What did scientist use to consider the cause of his health problems? Did he  visit lots of different doctors to find a cure? What kind of evidince was there that pieces of hair other scientists studies were beethovens? Did Beethoven want researched to be done so others didn't have to suffer like he did? How long was did the evendince point to that the metal was in his system? Did they study someone else from the same time period to see if the amounts of lead in his system was similar?
He died from lead poisoning. Bill Walsh. Yes. Stomach pains. Pieces of bone. Yes. Genetic tests. Yes. Many years. Yes.