The Scientific Study of Mummies

The fact that bodies decay after death has concerned humans throughout the ages. Many cultures have attempted to arrest this decay, so that bodies are preserved (or mummified) in a state as near to life as possible, but spontaneously mummified bodies are also found. Mummies are being studied increasingly to answer questions about the health, social standing and beliefs of the population from whence they came, and the lessons that they have for modern populations. Originally published in 2003, this authoritative reference work explores why people mummify bodies and the mechanisms by which they are preserved, details study methods and surveys the myriad examples that can be found worldwide, evaluates the use and abuse of mummified bodies throughout the ages, and how mummified remains can be conserved for the future. Lavishly illustrated, The Scientific Study of Mummies will be of value to all those interested in paleopathology, archaeology and anthropology.

Preface; Acknowledgements; 1. History of mummy studies; 2. Purpose of anthropogenic mummification; 3. Mechanisms of mummification; 4. The geography of mummies; 5. Soft tissue taphonomy; 6. Mummy study methodology; 7. Animal mummies; 8. Soft tissue paleopathology: diseases of the viscera; 9. The museology of mummies; 10. Use and abuse of mummies; References; Index.

Mummies are the preserved remains of human or animal bodies. They may be preserved naturally or through human intervention, and their careful study can give us important insights into the past. This important 2003 reference work shows how mummification happens, explores mummies worldwide, and gives guidance into their research.