Estimation of the Time Since Death (3^rd Ed.)

Estimation of the Time Since Death remains the foremost authoritative book on scientifically calculating the estimated time of death postmortem. Building on the success of previous editions which covered the early postmortem period, this new edition also covers the later postmortem period including putrefactive changes, entomology, and postmortem resonance spectroscopy.

Entomology and the radiocarbon test are now included, as they may be of significance in the early postmortem period. Because of the increasing importance of postmortem imaging, a chapter on cross-sectional imaging and the postmortem interval has been added. The book also describes in detail a new mathematical approach to narrow down the postmortem interval derived from the compound method (conditional probability in death time estimation).

A unique work of synthesis combining rigorous science with practical guidance, the book has been improved, updated, reformatted, and extended in scope. Redesigned in colour throughout, it continues to be an invaluable resource?and also the standard?for the estimation of the time since death.

General Remarks on Estimating the Time Since Death. Historical Review on Early Work on Estimating of the Time Since Death. Supravitality in Tissues. Rigor Mortis. Postmortem Lividity. Postmortem Body Cooling and Temperature-Based Methods. Autolysis, Putrefactive Changes and Postmortem Chemistry. Gastric Contents and Time Since Death. Immunohistochemical Methods as an Aid in Estimating the Time Since Death. Practical Casework. Forensic Entomology. Radiocarbon Dating. Cross-Sectional Imaging and the Postmortem Interval.

Edited by

Burkhard Madea, MD, director, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Bonn, Germany