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Mummies, disease and ancient cultures, 2nd edn
The author sees development, especially in the colonial context, and whether urban or agricultural, as the root of all evil; there is no attempt to balance the catalogue of human greed and wilful oppression with more positive accounts of humanity and humility, moral conviction, or intellectual curiosity in the face of difficulty and disaster. It may all be politically correct; but neither style nor content make this an easy read. L. Wilkinson
Mummies, Disease and Ancient Cultures, 2nd edn by A. Cockburn, E. Cockbum and TA. Reyman Cambridge University Press, 1998. E24.95 paperback (xxii + 402 pages) ISBN 0 521 58954 1 This book was originally published in 1980 and was brought out as a paperback in 1983; since then it has been reprinted four times. These facts indicate the past success of this remarkable work, and it is likely that the second edition will prove to be as well read as the fist. Since 1980 there have been several developments in the field of paleopathology, but not all of them have been beneficial. The presence of human bodies in anthropological collections is regarded by some as little more than grave-robbery, and there have been several campaigns for the return of the bodies to the descendants for reburial. Unfortunately this means that research suffers, as these human remains are no longer made available for investigation. Permission was not granted to reprint photographs in the first edition that showed aboriginal Australians, and some photographs of American and Alaskan mumwere voluntarily withdrawn. mies Nevertheless, each chapter is amply illustrated with informative figures. In a book of such quality it seems unfair to single out a chapter for particular attention, but the final chapter (‘New investigative techniques’) provides a review of the modem technology that is employed in paleopatbology, and, incidentally, explanation of techniques mentioned in previous chapters. Nielsen and Thuesen describe the application of molecular biological methods to paleogenetics, discussing some of the problems and pitfalls associated with cloning ancient DNA (aDNA). Aside from contamination by contemporaneous DNA and artefactal recombination, most difficulties lie in the intrinsic stability of aDNA. While DNA repair mechanisms are intact the integrity of DNA can be maintained, but once these are lost, so is the integrity. Thus, DNA in seeds and spores may survive tbousands of years, because although dormant they are essentially still alive. It has been estimated that DNA will survive 20 000 to 40 000 years, and while this will impede
0160-9327/96/$19.00
taxonomic studies it is unlikely to affect paleogenetic studies since mummies are rarely older than 5000 years. However, the human aDNA that has been identified is substantially fragmented. There is a discussion of several factors that compound DNA instability, including preservation conditions and conservation procedures (many Greenland mummies have been irradiated with high doses of gamma rays as a conservation measure, rendering them useless for aDNA studies). Interestingly, the first recognized cloning of aDNA was that of a fragment obtained from a museum specimen of a quagga, an extinct quadruped, in order to classify it as a phylogenetic relative of the horse. The first successful isolation of human aDNA, performed by Svante Plgbo, entailed the cloning in a plasmid vector of a 3.4 kilobase fragment of DNA obtained from a 2400-year-old Egyptian mummy of a child. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for DNA amplification is now a common laboratory technique, used in several disciplines, including paleogenetics. This technique is so sensitive that in analysing DNA from the Tyrolean iceman (5200 years old), problems were encountered with contamination by contemporaneous DNA from several individuals, most probably during handling and retrieval. In the same chapter, Notman provides an account of the modem imaging techniques that are used on ancient remains. Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) is of little use, because it relies on the presence of water in the tissue to generate an image, but computed tomography (CT) has proven to be a boon to the science of paleoimaging. 3D reconstruction software is used to create lifelike images, as illustrated by the pictures of a reconstruction of a mummy foetus and the face of an Egyptian mummy head. These authors discuss further uses of CTscanning and the advantages of the ability to archive images. In contrast to non-invasive CT-scanning, invasive endoscopy is also a useful tool. Tapp describes its use and in addition to providing images of internal structures, biopsy samples can be obtained. These have provided evidence for pneumoconiosis and tapeworm in Egyptian mummies Paleonutrition is an important branch or archaeology, inolving the study of the general menu, diet and nutrition of ancient peoples. Reinhard discusses carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis (i2C, isC, 14N and isN) and trace element analysis, particularly of strontium. Studies of isotope and trace element ratios can provide information not only about the general menu and diet, but also about changes in diet and about weaning practices.The last section of this chapter concerns population studies. Waldron discusses the prevalence of disease (we should avoid the term ‘incidence’) and the problems associated with its estimation. Not only is the sample size important, but also the quality of sample must be critically appraised.
- see front matter 0 1996 Elsevier Science. All right resewed.
Other chapters also contain accounts of modem investigative techniques, for example cephalometric x-ray studies and computerized imaging to provide information about dentition, dental health and genealogical traits. Immunohistochemistry is increasingly being used in paleopathological investigations, and in the chapter on ‘Mummies from Italy, North Africa and the Canary Islands’ Fomaciari relates how it has been used to establish the presence of treponemes in a skin lesion, and a subsequent diagnosis of venereal syphilis, in the 430year-old mummy of Maria of Aragon. Continuing in the same vein as the first edition, each chapter is illustrated superbly and has its own list of references. Whether it is a reflection of the editing or of the writing by the original authors, this book reads well, with a good balance being struck between laboured description and a super% cial skim: it is easy to forget that one is reading for learning rather than entertainment. C.H. Hoyle
Our Cosmic Origins: From the Big Bang to the Emergence of Llle and Intelligence by A. Delsemme Cambridge University Press, 1998. c16.95 hardback (xviii + 322 pages) ISBN 0 521 62038 4 How did life begin on planet Earth? In seeking answers to this age-old question, we make use of two of the most far-reaching generalizations of modem science: the unity of biochemistry and the unity of cosmochemistry. The first unity, of biochemistry, tells us that essential to all life are certain classes of organic compounds, in particular the macromolecular structures known as proteins, nucleic acids, fats and sugars. Fats and sugars are primarily suppliers of energy for chemical reactions whereas the complex structure of proteins (enzymes) and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) enable them to act as sources of information within living cells, the whole ensemble of these and other compounds giving rise to the characteristic activities of living systems we refer to as metabolism and reproduction. Within the enveloping framework of evolution - all living forms are interrelated by common descent - we draw the inescapable conclusion that all life must have had a common chemical origin. The other unity, of cosmochemistry, also arises from a kind of metabolism, this time involving the myriad stars in the galaxies, as well as our parent star Sol, which brightens and, indeed, is responsible for our daily existence. It seems that a long time ago (12-18 billion years according to current estimates) there was a Big Bang that in a matter of minutes gave rise to the
Endeavour
Vol. 22(4) 1998
171
Mummies, Disease and Ancient Cultures, 2nd edn by A. Cockburn, E. Cockbum and TA. Reyman Cambridge University Press, 1998. E24.95 paperback (xxii + 402 pages) ISBN 0 521 58954 1 This book was originally published in 1980 and was brought out as a paperback in 1983; since then it has been reprinted four times. These facts indicate the past success of this remarkable work, and it is likely that the second edition will prove to be as well read as the fist. Since 1980 there have been several developments in the field of paleopathology, but not all of them have been beneficial. The presence of human bodies in anthropological collections is regarded by some as little more than grave-robbery, and there have been several campaigns for the return of the bodies to the descendants for reburial. Unfortunately this means that research suffers, as these human remains are no longer made available for investigation. Permission was not granted to reprint photographs in the first edition that showed aboriginal Australians, and some photographs of American and Alaskan mumwere voluntarily withdrawn. mies Nevertheless, each chapter is amply illustrated with informative figures. In a book of such quality it seems unfair to single out a chapter for particular attention, but the final chapter (‘New investigative techniques’) provides a review of the modem technology that is employed in paleopatbology, and, incidentally, explanation of techniques mentioned in previous chapters. Nielsen and Thuesen describe the application of molecular biological methods to paleogenetics, discussing some of the problems and pitfalls associated with cloning ancient DNA (aDNA). Aside from contamination by contemporaneous DNA and artefactal recombination, most difficulties lie in the intrinsic stability of aDNA. While DNA repair mechanisms are intact the integrity of DNA can be maintained, but once these are lost, so is the integrity. Thus, DNA in seeds and spores may survive tbousands of years, because although dormant they are essentially still alive. It has been estimated that DNA will survive 20 000 to 40 000 years, and while this will impede
0160-9327/96/$19.00
taxonomic studies it is unlikely to affect paleogenetic studies since mummies are rarely older than 5000 years. However, the human aDNA that has been identified is substantially fragmented. There is a discussion of several factors that compound DNA instability, including preservation conditions and conservation procedures (many Greenland mummies have been irradiated with high doses of gamma rays as a conservation measure, rendering them useless for aDNA studies). Interestingly, the first recognized cloning of aDNA was that of a fragment obtained from a museum specimen of a quagga, an extinct quadruped, in order to classify it as a phylogenetic relative of the horse. The first successful isolation of human aDNA, performed by Svante Plgbo, entailed the cloning in a plasmid vector of a 3.4 kilobase fragment of DNA obtained from a 2400-year-old Egyptian mummy of a child. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for DNA amplification is now a common laboratory technique, used in several disciplines, including paleogenetics. This technique is so sensitive that in analysing DNA from the Tyrolean iceman (5200 years old), problems were encountered with contamination by contemporaneous DNA from several individuals, most probably during handling and retrieval. In the same chapter, Notman provides an account of the modem imaging techniques that are used on ancient remains. Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) is of little use, because it relies on the presence of water in the tissue to generate an image, but computed tomography (CT) has proven to be a boon to the science of paleoimaging. 3D reconstruction software is used to create lifelike images, as illustrated by the pictures of a reconstruction of a mummy foetus and the face of an Egyptian mummy head. These authors discuss further uses of CTscanning and the advantages of the ability to archive images. In contrast to non-invasive CT-scanning, invasive endoscopy is also a useful tool. Tapp describes its use and in addition to providing images of internal structures, biopsy samples can be obtained. These have provided evidence for pneumoconiosis and tapeworm in Egyptian mummies Paleonutrition is an important branch or archaeology, inolving the study of the general menu, diet and nutrition of ancient peoples. Reinhard discusses carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis (i2C, isC, 14N and isN) and trace element analysis, particularly of strontium. Studies of isotope and trace element ratios can provide information not only about the general menu and diet, but also about changes in diet and about weaning practices.The last section of this chapter concerns population studies. Waldron discusses the prevalence of disease (we should avoid the term ‘incidence’) and the problems associated with its estimation. Not only is the sample size important, but also the quality of sample must be critically appraised.
- see front matter 0 1996 Elsevier Science. All right resewed.
Other chapters also contain accounts of modem investigative techniques, for example cephalometric x-ray studies and computerized imaging to provide information about dentition, dental health and genealogical traits. Immunohistochemistry is increasingly being used in paleopathological investigations, and in the chapter on ‘Mummies from Italy, North Africa and the Canary Islands’ Fomaciari relates how it has been used to establish the presence of treponemes in a skin lesion, and a subsequent diagnosis of venereal syphilis, in the 430year-old mummy of Maria of Aragon. Continuing in the same vein as the first edition, each chapter is illustrated superbly and has its own list of references. Whether it is a reflection of the editing or of the writing by the original authors, this book reads well, with a good balance being struck between laboured description and a super% cial skim: it is easy to forget that one is reading for learning rather than entertainment. C.H. Hoyle
Our Cosmic Origins: From the Big Bang to the Emergence of Llle and Intelligence by A. Delsemme Cambridge University Press, 1998. c16.95 hardback (xviii + 322 pages) ISBN 0 521 62038 4 How did life begin on planet Earth? In seeking answers to this age-old question, we make use of two of the most far-reaching generalizations of modem science: the unity of biochemistry and the unity of cosmochemistry. The first unity, of biochemistry, tells us that essential to all life are certain classes of organic compounds, in particular the macromolecular structures known as proteins, nucleic acids, fats and sugars. Fats and sugars are primarily suppliers of energy for chemical reactions whereas the complex structure of proteins (enzymes) and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) enable them to act as sources of information within living cells, the whole ensemble of these and other compounds giving rise to the characteristic activities of living systems we refer to as metabolism and reproduction. Within the enveloping framework of evolution - all living forms are interrelated by common descent - we draw the inescapable conclusion that all life must have had a common chemical origin. The other unity, of cosmochemistry, also arises from a kind of metabolism, this time involving the myriad stars in the galaxies, as well as our parent star Sol, which brightens and, indeed, is responsible for our daily existence. It seems that a long time ago (12-18 billion years according to current estimates) there was a Big Bang that in a matter of minutes gave rise to the
Endeavour
Vol. 22(4) 1998
171