The Scientific Study of Mummies

by Arthur C. Aufderheide

Overview

Mummies are studied to answer questions about the health, social standing, and beliefs of past human populations, and to reveal the lessons that they present to modern populations. This authoritative reference work explores the reasons why people mummify bodies and the mechanisms by which they are preserved. Arthur Aufderheide details study methods and surveys the myriad examples that can be found worldwide. In addition, he evaluates the use and abuse of mummified bodies throughout the ages, and discusses how mummified remains can be conserved for the future.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521177351
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	01/13/2011
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	634
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 9.60(h) x 1.40(d)

About the Author

ARTHUR C. AUFDERHEIDE is a Professor in the Department of Pathology at the University of Minnesota, Duluth.

Table of Contents

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.

Editorial Reviews

"This is one of the best texts ever on mummy studies. It is well written, indexed, profusely illustrated and comprehensive. A great work at a great value." Journal of the American Association of Forensic Dentists

"...impressive and informative...Aufderheide deserves great credit for his tremendous contribution to a field of study touching upon so many areas of medicine." Journal of the American Medical Association

"The Scientific Study of Mummies is a veritable encyclopaedia of mummies and of mummy-research projects. Arthur C. Aufderheide is uniquely equipped to write such a book, having personally dissected more than 500 mummies.... this book should be required reading for any serious researcher on the sometimes gory but always fascinating subject of mummies and what they can teach us about human beliefs and behavior." Nature

"This compelling 625-page magnum opus, destined to become a classic, is an authoritative reference work.... Essential." Choice

From the Publisher