Comparative Osteology

In the forensic context it is quite common for non-human bones to be confused with human remains and end up in the medical examiner or coroner system. It is also quite common for skeletal remains (both human and non-human) to be discovered in archaeological contexts. While the difference between human and non-human bones is often very striking, it can also be quite subtle. Fragmentation only compounds the problem. The ability to differentiate between human and non-human bones is dependent on the training of the analyst and the available reference and/or comparative material. Comparative Osteology is a photographic atlas of common North American animal bones designed for use as a laboratory and field guide by the forensic scientist or archaeologist. The intent of the guide is not to be inclusive of all animals, but rather to present some of the most common species which also have the highest likelihood of being potentially confused with human remains. * An affordably priced, compact lab/field manual, comparing human and non-human bones. * Contains over 500 high-quality black and white images and diagrams, including inches and centimeter scale with each photograph. * Written by foremost forensic scientists with decades of experience in the laboratory and as expert witnesses.