Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Successful research projects effectively begin with familiarity with the human skeleton
and the look and texture of normal bone. Knowing the morphology and the diagnostic
features of common conditions is the next step. When the unfamiliar is encountered, the
paleopathological diagnostic texts are essential (e.g., Aufderheide and Rodr
´
guez-Mart
´
n,
1998;
Ortner, 2003
), as are journal article searches (for example, American Journal of Physical
Anthropology, (the new) International Journal of Paleopathology, and International Journal of Osteo-
archaeology). Further, do not neglect a search of the medical literature. General disease ency-
clopedias are a good place to start. Thorough description is necessary for reliable diagnosis,
particularly if the study sample is not local or only temporarily available. Therefore time and
effort should be devoted to determining methods of observation (score sheets, photographs,
computer data entry, radiographs) and quantification (presence/absence, severity scale).
Analytical success includes familiarity with the recovery and cultural context of the sample.
Always consider soliciting advice or help with statistical analysis. Above all, read.
There will always be impediments to effective analytical paleopathology. These include
problems of skeletal sample context such as preservation and recovery bias and an incom-
plete temporal sequence. Other problems relate to differential diagnosis, quantification,
and the osteological paradox. The strength of analytical paleopathology is that it has a multi-
disciplinary methodology. It cannot be effectively undertaken without the approaches,
analytical tools, and datasets that are reflected in the other chapters in this volume.
REFERENCES
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Anderson, D.G., Mainfort, R.C. (Eds.), 2002. The Woodland Southeast. University of Alabama Press, Tuscaloosa.
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