Description
Of the parts of the human body, the bones have a unique durability that lends itself to collection. Skeletal remains can be recovered even millions of years after death, cleaned of debris, studied at length, and stored indefinitely.
Motivations for collecting human skeletal material range from the practical (in anthropology, medicine, forensics) to the ritualistic (phrenology, in the relics of martyrs and saints). This book is an examination of those motivations and the collections they have brought about--catacombs, ossuaries, mass graves, prehistoric excavations, and institutional and private collections.
The book contains sections on procuring, handling, storing, transporting, cleaning, and identifying skeletal remains. The repatriation of remains is also addressed.
About the Author
The late Christine Quigley authored books and articles, wrote an eclectic blog called Quigley's Cabinet and reviewed books for Fortean Times.
Reviews
"unique...useful"-Choice; "important scientifically and historically"-C&RL News; "a great job...easily understood...fascinating...richly illustrated"-AGS Quarterly; "fascinating...a thoughtful, even-handed analysis...excellent"-Mummytombs; "a great book...very interesting"-Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology; "comprehensive...invaluable...you must own this book"-Morbid Curiosity.
Book Information
ISBN 9780786438884
Author Christine Quigley
Format Paperback
Page Count 271
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc
Weight(grams) 472g
Dimensions(mm) 254mm * 178mm * 14mm
