45th Annual North American Meeting of the Paleopathology Association Austin, Texas, 2018
In the 19th century, Gloucester was one of the most important centers for match manufacture. Insi... more In the 19th century, Gloucester was one of the most important centers for match manufacture. Inside the factories laborers worked for more than 12 hours a day in deplorable conditions. The members of the poorest class were often tasked with dipping the splints of wood in melted sulphur or paraffin by hand; they also had to submerge matches into the lighting composition that contained white or yellow phosphorus. Those directly exposed to phosphorus fumes developed the “phossy jaw” condition. In this study the remains of a young male (16-20 years old), recovered from Victorian Gloucester, were examined and macroscopic evidence of osteonecrosis was found on the left mandibular ramus. This condition is suggestive of occupationally-related osteomyelitis from industrial exposure to phosphorus. Additional evidence of this phosphoric necrosis has also been detected in the mandibular fossae. A differential diagnosis was conducted that excluded taphonomic factors, neoplastic desease, metastatic forms of neoplasms and actinomycosis. In fact, caries increased the chances to develop this condition by facilitating contact between the phosphorus, pulp cavity and alveolar bone. The necrosis often first manifested as a toothache before spreading to the mandible and face, often with disfiguring complications. Related respiratory problems and chest pain often occurred as well. The case studied here presents only an early onset stage of the disease. However, the work-related pathology that has been diagnosed allows a revision of the occupational environment where the analyzed individual lived and died in what was likely poor conditions.
The authors of the present work evaluate the trauma observed on the skeletal remains of an indivi... more The authors of the present work evaluate the trauma observed on the skeletal remains of an individual from medieval Gloucester, England, and reconstruct the events that led to his death. The almost complete skeleton was recovered from the cemetery of St Owen and dates to the late medieval period. The anthropological examination showed that the remains belonged to a young male, between the ages of 17 and 19 years. The young man also had antemortem pathologies that were related to his diet and lifestyle, as he appears to have suffered from iron-deficiency anaemia and Schmorl's nodes. The trauma observed on the remains consisted of three cut marks located on the cranium, left radius and right scapula. The cuts seem to have been inflicted by a heavy weapon, such as a sword. The trauma pattern observed is consistent with defensive action and the fact that this skeleton was the only one in the collection that has evidence of trauma suggest that this was a case of interpersonal violence.
Craniometric characteristics can reflect population history and may be used to reconstruct within... more Craniometric characteristics can reflect population history and may be used to reconstruct within- and among-group variation, potential migration routes, and ancestral origins. However, studies involving craniometric data within the British isles are unfortunately infrequent, especially for the Medieval period. This pilot study analyzes a set of craniometric data collected in 91 crania from the English Medieval collections curated at Liverpool John Moores University. The sites were selected according to their close chronological relationship but contrasting cultural background: Poulton (Cheshire) was a rural community, while Linenhall (Cheshire) and Gloucester (Gloucestershire) were from an urban context.
Discriminant function analysis (DFA) was carried out on a set of 21 cranial measurements to understand whether any differences exist among the three English samples. These variables were then reduced to 16 to facilitate comparison with the three European samples in WW Howells’ databank: Norse (Medieval Oslo), Berg (Carinthia region, Austria) and Zalavar (Western Hungary, 9th-11th Century).
The first step of the study demonstrated that there is no significant difference among the three British samples, which is likely due to the proximity of the sites. Results of the comparison between the English and the other European samples yield more compelling results. The English cluster together, as do the Norse and the Berg, while the Zalavar sample is more divergent. These findings reflect both the geographic distances among groups and the internal homogeneity of the English samples.
Taphonomic factors affect the preservation of human remains that are frequently recovered fragmen... more Taphonomic factors affect the preservation of human remains that are frequently recovered fragmented from archaeological and forensic contexts. An incomplete or broken skull negatively influences a comprehensive skeletal examination for both biological profile analysis and trauma interpretation, as well as the conservation and display of the remains. A reconstructive approach is proposed to allow anthropologists to gain all the information from the remains. Reversible B-72 paraloid glue mixed with acetone is used to place the fragments together, while a wax mixture is applied to reconstruct the missing parts and stabilise the skull. All the compounds used are reversible and the reconstruction steps are documented with photographs. The reconstruction will guarantee not only a better conservation of the skull, but also a multidisciplinary examination (e.g. anthropometry, CT scan, facial reconstruction) and a possible museum display.
Poulton, Cheshire: The investigation of a rural chapel in an evolving medieval landscape, 2023
Our short articles are reserved for reports of major work in progress (whether field or research)... more Our short articles are reserved for reports of major work in progress (whether field or research), comment on current philosophies or events, conservation issues, individual cases, etc. Unlike our main articles, they do not require as much contextual information or a review of the existing literature. This article presents the results of the radiocarbon dating programme and interpretation of a medieval chapel and graveyard in Poulton, Cheshire. The structure was associated with a lost Cistercian Abbey of 12th-13th-century date, which was relocated to Staffordshire after c. 60 years. Extensive excavation has revealed a minimum of 783 interments, interpreted as the remains of the farming community who worked the land after the monks' departure. The role of the chapel within the early Cistercian landscape has proved enigmatic, although archaeological investigation has enabled a detailed understanding of the development of this ecclesiastical structure. The radiocarbon dating programme has revealed the chronology of the graveyard. By combining this new evidence with the historical record and archaeological data, an interpretation of the changing role of the chapel within the evolving medieval landscape is presented.
Poulton, Cheshire: The investigation of a rural chapel in an evolving medieval landscape, 2023
Our short articles are reserved for reports of major work in progress (whether field or research)... more Our short articles are reserved for reports of major work in progress (whether field or research), comment on current philosophies or events, conservation issues, individual cases, etc. Unlike our main articles, they do not require as much contextual information or a review of the existing literature. This article presents the results of the radiocarbon dating programme and interpretation of a medieval chapel and graveyard in Poulton, Cheshire. The structure was associated with a lost Cistercian Abbey of 12th-13th-century date, which was relocated to Staffordshire after c. 60 years. Extensive excavation has revealed a minimum of 783 interments, interpreted as the remains of the farming community who worked the land after the monks' departure. The role of the chapel within the early Cistercian landscape has proved enigmatic, although archaeological investigation has enabled a detailed understanding of the development of this ecclesiastical structure. The radiocarbon dating programme has revealed the chronology of the graveyard. By combining this new evidence with the historical record and archaeological data, an interpretation of the changing role of the chapel within the evolving medieval landscape is presented.
The present thesis proposes a comparison of 16 British medieval samples by means of craniometric ... more The present thesis proposes a comparison of 16 British medieval samples by means of craniometric analysis. The purpose of this study is to determine whether craniometric variation among British medieval groups exists and what are the causes of these differences. Following the reconstruction of 267 skulls from Gloucester, Poulton and Linenhall, 45 measurements for each cranium were recorded. Craniometric data from 946 individuals were analysed with multivariate statistical analyses. A selection of 18 variables was used for comparison among samples. A further comparison with a selection from Howells’ main human groups was carried out. Discriminant function analysis, principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were carried out to detect differences among British medieval samples and British and Howells’ data set. The results support previous work published by other authors indicating a difference in craniometric measurement among British samples. Further discriminati...
Craniometric characteristics have long been used to reconstruct among-group variation, potential ... more Craniometric characteristics have long been used to reconstruct among-group variation, potential migration routes and ancestral origins. This study presents results of the comparison of 946 individuals from 16 British medieval sites using craniometric analyses. The purpose is to determine: 1) if observable cranial variation exists among British medieval groups, 2) whether it can best be detected from neurocranial or facial measurements, and 3) the potential causes of these differences. The data were analyzed with multivariate statistical analyses. A selection of 18 variables recorded on each cranium was used for comparison among separately pooled males and females for each site. Principal component analysis was carried out on the mean measurements for these pooled samples to detect differences. The results support findings from previous studies indicating a observable difference in measurements among British samples. Male and female samples follow the same grouping pattern, indicating the validity of the statistical analysis. Both neurocranial and facial measurements contribute to the variability of the groups analyzed. The differences in craniometric measurements are likely determined by immigration from other European areas. Samples from British towns where migration occurred more frequently during and before the Middle Ages (i.e., Hythe, London and Scarborough) support this difference. These towns were major ports, and the movement of people was frequent, with various migrant groups selectively populating them (e.g., Scandinavian, Icelandic, Flemish, French). This is supported by correspondence of the results with historical and archaeological records.
The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology, 2017
The authors of the present work evaluate the trauma observed on the skeletal remains of an indivi... more The authors of the present work evaluate the trauma observed on the skeletal remains of an individual from medieval Gloucester and reconstruct the events that led to his death. The almost complete skeleton was recovered from the cemetery of St Owen and dates to the late medieval period. Several methods were used to determine the sex and age of the individual. The anthropological examination showed that the remains belonged to a young male, between the ages of 17 and 19 years. The young man also had antemortem pathologies that were related to his diet and lifestyle, as he appears to have had iron-deficiency anemia and Schmorl nodes. The trauma observed on the remains consisted of 3 cut marks located on the cranium, left radius, and right scapula. The cuts seem to have been inflicted by a heavy weapon, such as a sword. The trauma pattern observed is consistent with defensive action, and the fact that this skeleton was the only one in the collection that has evidence of trauma suggests...
Craniometric characteristics can reflect population history and may be used to reconstruct within... more Craniometric characteristics can reflect population history and may be used to reconstruct within- and among-group variation, potential migration routes, and ancestral origins. However, studies involving craniometric data within the British isles are unfortunately infrequent, especially for the Medieval period. This pilot study analyzes a set of craniometric data collected in 91 crania from the English Medieval collections curated at Liverpool John Moores University. The sites were selected according to their close chronological relationship but contrasting cultural background: Poulton (Cheshire) was a rural community, while Linenhall (Cheshire) and Gloucester (Gloucestershire) were from an urban context. Discriminant function analysis (DFA) was carried out on a set of 21 cranial measurements to understand whether any differences exist among the three English samples. These variables were then reduced to 16 to facilitate comparison with the three European samples in WW Howells’ databank: Norse (Medieval Oslo), Berg (Carinthia region, Austria) and Zalavar (Western Hungary, 9th-11th Century). The first step of the study demonstrated that there is no significant difference among the three British samples, which is likely due to the proximity of the sites. Results of the comparison between the English and the other European samples yield more compelling results. The English cluster together, as do the Norse and the Berg, while the Zalavar sample is more divergent. These findings reflect both the geographic distances among groups and the internal homogeneity of the English samples.
Taphonomic factors affect the preservation of human remains that are frequently recovered fragmen... more Taphonomic factors affect the preservation of human remains that are frequently recovered fragmented from archaeological and forensic contexts. An incomplete or broken skull negatively influences a comprehensive skeletal examination for both biological profile analysis and trauma interpretation, as well as the conservation and display of the remains. A reconstructive approach is proposed to allow anthropologists to gain all the information from the remains. Reversible B-72 paraloid glue mixed with acetone is used to place the fragments together, while a wax mixture is applied to reconstruct the missing parts and stabilise the skull. All the compounds used are reversible and the reconstruction steps are documented with photographs. The reconstruction will guarantee not only a better conservation of the skull, but also a multidisciplinary examination (e.g. anthropometry, CT scan, facial reconstruction) and a possible museum display.
45th Annual North American Meeting of the Paleopathology Association Austin, Texas, 2018
In the 19th century, Gloucester was one of the most important centers for match manufacture. Insi... more In the 19th century, Gloucester was one of the most important centers for match manufacture. Inside the factories laborers worked for more than 12 hours a day in deplorable conditions. The members of the poorest class were often tasked with dipping the splints of wood in melted sulphur or paraffin by hand; they also had to submerge matches into the lighting composition that contained white or yellow phosphorus. Those directly exposed to phosphorus fumes developed the “phossy jaw” condition. In this study the remains of a young male (16-20 years old), recovered from Victorian Gloucester, were examined and macroscopic evidence of osteonecrosis was found on the left mandibular ramus. This condition is suggestive of occupationally-related osteomyelitis from industrial exposure to phosphorus. Additional evidence of this phosphoric necrosis has also been detected in the mandibular fossae. A differential diagnosis was conducted that excluded taphonomic factors, neoplastic desease, metastatic forms of neoplasms and actinomycosis. In fact, caries increased the chances to develop this condition by facilitating contact between the phosphorus, pulp cavity and alveolar bone. The necrosis often first manifested as a toothache before spreading to the mandible and face, often with disfiguring complications. Related respiratory problems and chest pain often occurred as well. The case studied here presents only an early onset stage of the disease. However, the work-related pathology that has been diagnosed allows a revision of the occupational environment where the analyzed individual lived and died in what was likely poor conditions.
The authors of the present work evaluate the trauma observed on the skeletal remains of an indivi... more The authors of the present work evaluate the trauma observed on the skeletal remains of an individual from medieval Gloucester, England, and reconstruct the events that led to his death. The almost complete skeleton was recovered from the cemetery of St Owen and dates to the late medieval period. The anthropological examination showed that the remains belonged to a young male, between the ages of 17 and 19 years. The young man also had antemortem pathologies that were related to his diet and lifestyle, as he appears to have suffered from iron-deficiency anaemia and Schmorl's nodes. The trauma observed on the remains consisted of three cut marks located on the cranium, left radius and right scapula. The cuts seem to have been inflicted by a heavy weapon, such as a sword. The trauma pattern observed is consistent with defensive action and the fact that this skeleton was the only one in the collection that has evidence of trauma suggest that this was a case of interpersonal violence.
Craniometric characteristics can reflect population history and may be used to reconstruct within... more Craniometric characteristics can reflect population history and may be used to reconstruct within- and among-group variation, potential migration routes, and ancestral origins. However, studies involving craniometric data within the British isles are unfortunately infrequent, especially for the Medieval period. This pilot study analyzes a set of craniometric data collected in 91 crania from the English Medieval collections curated at Liverpool John Moores University. The sites were selected according to their close chronological relationship but contrasting cultural background: Poulton (Cheshire) was a rural community, while Linenhall (Cheshire) and Gloucester (Gloucestershire) were from an urban context.
Discriminant function analysis (DFA) was carried out on a set of 21 cranial measurements to understand whether any differences exist among the three English samples. These variables were then reduced to 16 to facilitate comparison with the three European samples in WW Howells’ databank: Norse (Medieval Oslo), Berg (Carinthia region, Austria) and Zalavar (Western Hungary, 9th-11th Century).
The first step of the study demonstrated that there is no significant difference among the three British samples, which is likely due to the proximity of the sites. Results of the comparison between the English and the other European samples yield more compelling results. The English cluster together, as do the Norse and the Berg, while the Zalavar sample is more divergent. These findings reflect both the geographic distances among groups and the internal homogeneity of the English samples.
Taphonomic factors affect the preservation of human remains that are frequently recovered fragmen... more Taphonomic factors affect the preservation of human remains that are frequently recovered fragmented from archaeological and forensic contexts. An incomplete or broken skull negatively influences a comprehensive skeletal examination for both biological profile analysis and trauma interpretation, as well as the conservation and display of the remains. A reconstructive approach is proposed to allow anthropologists to gain all the information from the remains. Reversible B-72 paraloid glue mixed with acetone is used to place the fragments together, while a wax mixture is applied to reconstruct the missing parts and stabilise the skull. All the compounds used are reversible and the reconstruction steps are documented with photographs. The reconstruction will guarantee not only a better conservation of the skull, but also a multidisciplinary examination (e.g. anthropometry, CT scan, facial reconstruction) and a possible museum display.
Poulton, Cheshire: The investigation of a rural chapel in an evolving medieval landscape, 2023
Our short articles are reserved for reports of major work in progress (whether field or research)... more Our short articles are reserved for reports of major work in progress (whether field or research), comment on current philosophies or events, conservation issues, individual cases, etc. Unlike our main articles, they do not require as much contextual information or a review of the existing literature. This article presents the results of the radiocarbon dating programme and interpretation of a medieval chapel and graveyard in Poulton, Cheshire. The structure was associated with a lost Cistercian Abbey of 12th-13th-century date, which was relocated to Staffordshire after c. 60 years. Extensive excavation has revealed a minimum of 783 interments, interpreted as the remains of the farming community who worked the land after the monks' departure. The role of the chapel within the early Cistercian landscape has proved enigmatic, although archaeological investigation has enabled a detailed understanding of the development of this ecclesiastical structure. The radiocarbon dating programme has revealed the chronology of the graveyard. By combining this new evidence with the historical record and archaeological data, an interpretation of the changing role of the chapel within the evolving medieval landscape is presented.
Poulton, Cheshire: The investigation of a rural chapel in an evolving medieval landscape, 2023
Our short articles are reserved for reports of major work in progress (whether field or research)... more Our short articles are reserved for reports of major work in progress (whether field or research), comment on current philosophies or events, conservation issues, individual cases, etc. Unlike our main articles, they do not require as much contextual information or a review of the existing literature. This article presents the results of the radiocarbon dating programme and interpretation of a medieval chapel and graveyard in Poulton, Cheshire. The structure was associated with a lost Cistercian Abbey of 12th-13th-century date, which was relocated to Staffordshire after c. 60 years. Extensive excavation has revealed a minimum of 783 interments, interpreted as the remains of the farming community who worked the land after the monks' departure. The role of the chapel within the early Cistercian landscape has proved enigmatic, although archaeological investigation has enabled a detailed understanding of the development of this ecclesiastical structure. The radiocarbon dating programme has revealed the chronology of the graveyard. By combining this new evidence with the historical record and archaeological data, an interpretation of the changing role of the chapel within the evolving medieval landscape is presented.
The present thesis proposes a comparison of 16 British medieval samples by means of craniometric ... more The present thesis proposes a comparison of 16 British medieval samples by means of craniometric analysis. The purpose of this study is to determine whether craniometric variation among British medieval groups exists and what are the causes of these differences. Following the reconstruction of 267 skulls from Gloucester, Poulton and Linenhall, 45 measurements for each cranium were recorded. Craniometric data from 946 individuals were analysed with multivariate statistical analyses. A selection of 18 variables was used for comparison among samples. A further comparison with a selection from Howells’ main human groups was carried out. Discriminant function analysis, principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were carried out to detect differences among British medieval samples and British and Howells’ data set. The results support previous work published by other authors indicating a difference in craniometric measurement among British samples. Further discriminati...
Craniometric characteristics have long been used to reconstruct among-group variation, potential ... more Craniometric characteristics have long been used to reconstruct among-group variation, potential migration routes and ancestral origins. This study presents results of the comparison of 946 individuals from 16 British medieval sites using craniometric analyses. The purpose is to determine: 1) if observable cranial variation exists among British medieval groups, 2) whether it can best be detected from neurocranial or facial measurements, and 3) the potential causes of these differences. The data were analyzed with multivariate statistical analyses. A selection of 18 variables recorded on each cranium was used for comparison among separately pooled males and females for each site. Principal component analysis was carried out on the mean measurements for these pooled samples to detect differences. The results support findings from previous studies indicating a observable difference in measurements among British samples. Male and female samples follow the same grouping pattern, indicating the validity of the statistical analysis. Both neurocranial and facial measurements contribute to the variability of the groups analyzed. The differences in craniometric measurements are likely determined by immigration from other European areas. Samples from British towns where migration occurred more frequently during and before the Middle Ages (i.e., Hythe, London and Scarborough) support this difference. These towns were major ports, and the movement of people was frequent, with various migrant groups selectively populating them (e.g., Scandinavian, Icelandic, Flemish, French). This is supported by correspondence of the results with historical and archaeological records.
The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology, 2017
The authors of the present work evaluate the trauma observed on the skeletal remains of an indivi... more The authors of the present work evaluate the trauma observed on the skeletal remains of an individual from medieval Gloucester and reconstruct the events that led to his death. The almost complete skeleton was recovered from the cemetery of St Owen and dates to the late medieval period. Several methods were used to determine the sex and age of the individual. The anthropological examination showed that the remains belonged to a young male, between the ages of 17 and 19 years. The young man also had antemortem pathologies that were related to his diet and lifestyle, as he appears to have had iron-deficiency anemia and Schmorl nodes. The trauma observed on the remains consisted of 3 cut marks located on the cranium, left radius, and right scapula. The cuts seem to have been inflicted by a heavy weapon, such as a sword. The trauma pattern observed is consistent with defensive action, and the fact that this skeleton was the only one in the collection that has evidence of trauma suggests...
Craniometric characteristics can reflect population history and may be used to reconstruct within... more Craniometric characteristics can reflect population history and may be used to reconstruct within- and among-group variation, potential migration routes, and ancestral origins. However, studies involving craniometric data within the British isles are unfortunately infrequent, especially for the Medieval period. This pilot study analyzes a set of craniometric data collected in 91 crania from the English Medieval collections curated at Liverpool John Moores University. The sites were selected according to their close chronological relationship but contrasting cultural background: Poulton (Cheshire) was a rural community, while Linenhall (Cheshire) and Gloucester (Gloucestershire) were from an urban context. Discriminant function analysis (DFA) was carried out on a set of 21 cranial measurements to understand whether any differences exist among the three English samples. These variables were then reduced to 16 to facilitate comparison with the three European samples in WW Howells’ databank: Norse (Medieval Oslo), Berg (Carinthia region, Austria) and Zalavar (Western Hungary, 9th-11th Century). The first step of the study demonstrated that there is no significant difference among the three British samples, which is likely due to the proximity of the sites. Results of the comparison between the English and the other European samples yield more compelling results. The English cluster together, as do the Norse and the Berg, while the Zalavar sample is more divergent. These findings reflect both the geographic distances among groups and the internal homogeneity of the English samples.
Taphonomic factors affect the preservation of human remains that are frequently recovered fragmen... more Taphonomic factors affect the preservation of human remains that are frequently recovered fragmented from archaeological and forensic contexts. An incomplete or broken skull negatively influences a comprehensive skeletal examination for both biological profile analysis and trauma interpretation, as well as the conservation and display of the remains. A reconstructive approach is proposed to allow anthropologists to gain all the information from the remains. Reversible B-72 paraloid glue mixed with acetone is used to place the fragments together, while a wax mixture is applied to reconstruct the missing parts and stabilise the skull. All the compounds used are reversible and the reconstruction steps are documented with photographs. The reconstruction will guarantee not only a better conservation of the skull, but also a multidisciplinary examination (e.g. anthropometry, CT scan, facial reconstruction) and a possible museum display.
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Conference Presentations by Satu Valoriani
The members of the poorest class were often tasked with dipping the splints of wood in melted sulphur or paraffin by hand; they also had to submerge matches into the lighting composition that contained white or yellow phosphorus. Those directly exposed to phosphorus fumes developed the “phossy jaw” condition.
In this study the remains of a young male (16-20 years old), recovered from Victorian Gloucester, were examined and macroscopic evidence of osteonecrosis was found on the left mandibular ramus. This condition is suggestive of occupationally-related osteomyelitis from industrial exposure to phosphorus. Additional evidence of this phosphoric necrosis has also been detected in the mandibular fossae. A differential diagnosis was conducted that excluded taphonomic factors, neoplastic desease, metastatic forms of neoplasms and actinomycosis.
In fact, caries increased the chances to develop this condition by facilitating contact between the phosphorus, pulp cavity and alveolar bone. The necrosis often first manifested as a toothache before spreading to the mandible and face, often with disfiguring complications. Related respiratory problems and chest pain often occurred as well.
The case studied here presents only an early onset stage of the disease. However, the work-related pathology that has been diagnosed allows a revision of the occupational environment where the analyzed individual lived and died in what was likely poor conditions.
Discriminant function analysis (DFA) was carried out on a set of 21 cranial measurements to understand whether any differences exist among the three English samples. These variables were then reduced to 16 to facilitate comparison with the three European samples in WW Howells’ databank: Norse (Medieval Oslo), Berg (Carinthia region, Austria) and Zalavar (Western Hungary, 9th-11th Century).
The first step of the study demonstrated that there is no significant difference among the three British samples, which is likely due to the proximity of the sites. Results of the comparison between the English and the other European samples yield more compelling results. The English cluster together, as do the Norse and the Berg, while the Zalavar sample is more divergent. These findings reflect both the geographic distances among groups and the internal homogeneity of the English samples.
A reconstructive approach is proposed to allow anthropologists to gain all the information from the remains. Reversible B-72 paraloid glue mixed with acetone is used to place the fragments together, while a wax mixture is applied to reconstruct the missing parts and stabilise the skull. All the compounds used are reversible and the reconstruction steps are documented with photographs.
The reconstruction will guarantee not only a better conservation of the skull, but also a multidisciplinary examination (e.g. anthropometry, CT scan, facial reconstruction) and a possible museum display.
Papers by Satu Valoriani
The members of the poorest class were often tasked with dipping the splints of wood in melted sulphur or paraffin by hand; they also had to submerge matches into the lighting composition that contained white or yellow phosphorus. Those directly exposed to phosphorus fumes developed the “phossy jaw” condition.
In this study the remains of a young male (16-20 years old), recovered from Victorian Gloucester, were examined and macroscopic evidence of osteonecrosis was found on the left mandibular ramus. This condition is suggestive of occupationally-related osteomyelitis from industrial exposure to phosphorus. Additional evidence of this phosphoric necrosis has also been detected in the mandibular fossae. A differential diagnosis was conducted that excluded taphonomic factors, neoplastic desease, metastatic forms of neoplasms and actinomycosis.
In fact, caries increased the chances to develop this condition by facilitating contact between the phosphorus, pulp cavity and alveolar bone. The necrosis often first manifested as a toothache before spreading to the mandible and face, often with disfiguring complications. Related respiratory problems and chest pain often occurred as well.
The case studied here presents only an early onset stage of the disease. However, the work-related pathology that has been diagnosed allows a revision of the occupational environment where the analyzed individual lived and died in what was likely poor conditions.
Discriminant function analysis (DFA) was carried out on a set of 21 cranial measurements to understand whether any differences exist among the three English samples. These variables were then reduced to 16 to facilitate comparison with the three European samples in WW Howells’ databank: Norse (Medieval Oslo), Berg (Carinthia region, Austria) and Zalavar (Western Hungary, 9th-11th Century).
The first step of the study demonstrated that there is no significant difference among the three British samples, which is likely due to the proximity of the sites. Results of the comparison between the English and the other European samples yield more compelling results. The English cluster together, as do the Norse and the Berg, while the Zalavar sample is more divergent. These findings reflect both the geographic distances among groups and the internal homogeneity of the English samples.
A reconstructive approach is proposed to allow anthropologists to gain all the information from the remains. Reversible B-72 paraloid glue mixed with acetone is used to place the fragments together, while a wax mixture is applied to reconstruct the missing parts and stabilise the skull. All the compounds used are reversible and the reconstruction steps are documented with photographs.
The reconstruction will guarantee not only a better conservation of the skull, but also a multidisciplinary examination (e.g. anthropometry, CT scan, facial reconstruction) and a possible museum display.