A Companion to Paleopathology [Hardcover]

• Presents a broad overview of the field of paleopathology, integrating theoretical and methodological approaches to understand biological and disease processes throughout human history
• Demonstrates how paleopathology sheds light on the past through the analysis of human and non-human skeletal materials, mummified remains and preserved tissue
• Integrates scientific advances in multiple fields that contribute to the understanding of ancient and historic diseases, such as epidemiology, histology, radiology, parasitology, dentistry, and molecular biology, as well as archaeological, archival and historical research.
• Highlights cultural processes that have an impact on the evolution of illness, death and dying in human populations, including subsistence strategies, human environmental adaptations, the effects of malnutrition, differential access to resources, and interpersonal and intercultural violence

List of Tables xvii

Notes on Contributors xix

Acknowledgements xxviii

1 Introduction: The Scope of Paleopathology 1
Anne L. Grauer

Part I Approaches, Perspectives and Issues 15

2 Ethics and Issues in the Use of Human Skeletal Remains in Paleopathology 17
Patricia M. Lambert

3 Evolutionary Thought in Paleopathology and the Rise of the Biocultural Approach 34
Molly K. Zuckerman, Bethany L. Turner, and George J. Armelagos

4 The Bioarchaeological Approach to Paleopathology 58
Michele R. Buzon

5 The lƒ#