Advances in Human Palaeopathology (PDF)

This volume presents a truly integrated methodological
and biocultural approach to the expanding discipline of human
palaeopathology. The book provides researchers and practitioners
with a comprehensive guide to the main methods and techniques that
are currently available for studying diseases and related
conditions from human skeletal remains. It also describes the ways
in which these methods can be applied to the reconstruction of
health and disease in the past.

The first part of the book deals with the survival of
palaeopathological evidence and provides an up-to-date account of
some of the latest techniques for studying disease in ancient
remains. These include imaging techniques, such as radiography and
CT scanning, and biochemical and histological analyses. Part two
discusses the diagnosis and interpretation of particular classes of
disease. The emphasis here is on what can be learnt by taking a
biocultural or holistic approach to the study of disease
frequencies at a population level.

* Combines theoretical, methodological and diagnostic aspects
with key biocultural approaches.

* Includes overviews of the latest applicable techniques from
molecular biology, biochemistry, histopathology and medical
imaging.

* Written by an international team of experts.

This book is an invaluable resource for biological
anthropologists and archaeologists who study health and disease in
past populations. It is also of interest to medical researchers
dealing with epidemiological, diagnostic and pathophysiological
aspects of diseases, who need a perspective upon the ways in which
particular diseases affected earlier generations.

Praise from the reviews:

"... This book offers an impressive amount of
information for both students and more advanced researchers.
Its value lies in the vast expertise the contributors have to
offer, with all of them being experts with long-standing
careers in their respective fields, as well as the
geographical distribution of examples that are given to
illustrate specific diseases... outstanding and it truly
is an important resource for anyone interested in
palaeopathology." PALEOPATHOLOGY NEWSLETTER

"The strengths of the book are numerous, but I am
especially impressed with the clarity of presentation... I
strongly recommend the book, and plan on using it in my classes as
assigned reading to emphasize the very complex nature of diagnosis
and its essential role of providing baseline information for
interpreting health profiles of ancient populations." THE
QUARTERLY REVIEW OF BIOLOGY

"It may be asked if we really need yet another book on
paleopathology, especially because there are many acclaimed sources
available. In this case, the answer must be a resounding
''Yes!''...Visually and textually, this
volume is of exceptional value for guiding future generations of
paleopathologists." AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL
ANTHROPOLOGY

"Pinhasi and Mays have produced an excellent, balanced
compilation that reflects what is currently happening in
paleopathology research and that nicely addresses paleopathology as
both discipline and tool, highlighting technical advanced and
schooling us on how disease manifests in the human skeleton.
This is valuable resource that students and professionals
interested in human paloepathology should consider adding to their
libraries." AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY