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Human Body Decomposition
1st Edition - March 24, 2016
Authors: Jarvis Hayman, Marc Oxenham
Language: English
Paperback ISBN:9780128036914
9 7 8 - 0 - 1 2 - 8 0 3 6 9 1 - 4
eBook ISBN:9780128037133
9 7 8 - 0 - 1 2 - 8 0 3 7 1 3 - 3
The fate of the human body after death is a subject that has fascinated enquirers, both in the scientific and legal realms for millennia. However, objective research into the…Read more
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The fate of the human body after death is a subject that has fascinated enquirers, both in the scientific and legal realms for millennia. However, objective research into the causes and nature of human decomposition has only taken place in the last two centuries, and quantitative measurement of the process as a means of estimating the time of death has only recently been attempted. The substantial literature concerning this research has been published in numerous scientific journals since the beginning of the nineteenth century. Human Body Decomposition expands on the current literature to include the evolving research on estimating the time of death. This volume details the process of decomposition to include early period after death when the body cools to ambient temperature, and when the body begins to putrefy. This process is significant because the estimation of the time of death becomes increasingly more difficult when the body begins to putrefy.Human Body Decomposition compiles a chronological account of research into the estimation of the time since death in human bodies found decomposed in order that researchers in the subject field can concentrate their thoughts and build on what has been achieved in the past.
Provides concise details of research, over the last 200 years, of estimating the time of death in decomposed bodies.
Covers methods of research into human decomposition in the stages of body cooling to ambient temperature and the later stages of autolysis, putrefaction and skeletonisation.
Includes a detailed account of recent research and future concepts.
Concludes with an account of the difficulties which future research into human decomposition will encounter.
Introductory and/or upper level courses in forensic anthropology. Also, reference for other courses involving human identification, skeletal biology or human osteology; practical guide for beginning practitioners
Biography
Preface
Chapter 1. Supravital Reactions in the Estimation of the Time Since Death (TSD)
Abstract
Rigor Mortis
Livor Mortis
Measurement of Mechanical and Electrical Excitability of Muscle
References
Chapter 2. Algor Mortis and Temperature-Based Methods of Estimating the Time Since Death
Abstract
Early Research in the 19th Century
Mid-20th Century Research
Contemporary Research from 1988 to the Present Time
Other Studies Attempting to Improve the Estimation of TSD
Conclusion
References
Chapter 3. Biochemical Methods of Estimating the Time Since Death
Abstract
Introduction
Chemical Investigation of Vitreous Humor
Acceptance of the Relationship of Vitreous Potassium with the PMI
Recent Advances and the Current Status of Research Into Vitreous Potassium
The Estimation of Hypoxanthine in Vitreous Humor
Chemical Investigation of Synovial Fluid
Biomarkers of the PMI in the Bone Marrow and Other Body Organs
Immunohistochemistry
High-Resolution Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Electrolyte Concentrations in CSF
Electrolyte Concentrations in Pericardial Fluid
The Use of DNA and RNA in the Estimation of the PMI
Conclusions
References
Chapter 4. Research in the Later Stages of Decomposition
Abstract
Estimation of the Postmortem Interval During the Stage of Autolysis and Early Putrefaction
Delayed Decomposition and Preservation: Mummification and Adipocere Formation
Estimation of the PMI in the Later Stages of Putrefaction and Skeletonization
Estimation of the PMI in Skeletal Remains
Methods Measuring Physicochemical Changes
Conclusions
References
Chapter 5. Recent Research and Current Trends
Abstract
Development of a Grading System of Human Decomposition
Correlation of a Decomposition Grading System With the PMI
Reservations Concerning the Use of ADDs and Numerical Body Scoring Systems
Conclusion
References
No. of pages: 162
Language: English
Edition: 1
Published: March 24, 2016
Imprint: Academic Press
Paperback ISBN: 9780128036914
eBook ISBN: 9780128037133
JH
Jarvis Hayman
Jarvis Hayman is a retired surgeon who studied archaeology, completing a Master’s degree at the Australian National University in Canberra with a thesis on the archaeology of the Scottish Highland Clearances. He then combined his medical and archaeological knowledge to complete a PhD on the estimation of the time since death in decomposed human bodies in Australian conditions. His research areas of interest are: historical archaeology and forensic archaeology/anthropology. He is a Visiting Fellow at the Australian National University and the co-author of Human Body Decomposition.
Affiliations and expertise
Visiting Fellow, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
MO
Marc Oxenham
Marc Oxenham is a Professor in Bioarchaeology at the Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. His expertise in human skeletal biology has been recognized nationally through invitations to consult on a range of forensic cases for the Australian Federal Police, Australian Government Solicitor, The Australian Defense Forces (in particular Unrecovered War Casualties-Army) as well as the New South Wales Police Force. His main research has concentrated on exploring aspects of human palaeopathology and behavior by way of analyses of human skeletal and dental material. He has held teaching and research positions at Colorado College, USA, and the ANU. He was president of the Australasian Society of Human Biology (2012-14), an Australian Future Fellow (2013-17), elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London in 2011 and elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy of the Humanities in 2016.
Affiliations and expertise
Australian National University, Canberra, Australia