In the year 1849 French author Gustave Flaubert went up the Nile on a Falucca sailing ship. He observed that 8 out of 10 sailors were missing their right index finger.

Does anyone know more about this odd piece of trivia? I'm dying to learn why these sailors were missing their fingers but have been told (and confirmed) that I will not be able to find further info on the internet. Thanks!