Human Body Decomposition

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.

Human Body Decomposition, 1st Edition

• 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
  • Extrinsic Factors Affecting Decomposition: Temperature, Environment, Insects, Burial, Moisture, Scavenging
  • 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