Title

Analysis Of Human Cremains: Gross And Chemical Methods

Abstract

This chapter provides a detailed overview of the contemporary cremation process that begins with a human body and ends with a volume of inorganic matter that can fit in a small box or an urn. It discusses various methods that cremation analysts have traditionally used to analyze cremated remains. The chapter also explores the potential of using chemical methods that help to answer some basic questions about the elemental make-up and basic properties of cremated bones and teeth. The use of chemical methods for elemental analysis is now considered to be a regular step when analyzing cremains. In particular, chemical techniques can answer some basic questions about the composition of cremains that cannot be answered from gross and microscopic methods alone. Chemical methods can be used to determine whether the disputed cremains are comprised of bones or a foreign material that was substituted for the cremains. Chemical methods may provide the only supporting evidence for the identification of cremains by detecting elevated levels of normal minor elements found in bone tissue or the presence of rare trace elements that were acquired during the decedent's life. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.

Publication Date

12-1-2008

Publication Title

The Analysis of Burned Human Remains

Number of Pages

75-94

Document Type

Article; Book Chapter

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-012372510-3.50006-X

Socpus ID

58149173038 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/58149173038

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