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Craniofacial identification in forensic medicine
Journal of Clinical Forensic Medicine (I 999) 6, 118-119 © APSlHarcourt Brace & Co. Ltd 1999
BOOK REVIEWS Craniofacial Identification in Forensic Medicine John G. Clement and David L. Ranson (eds), 1998.Oxford University Press: London. 306 pp. ISBN 0 340 607599
Cutaneous Pathology Maize et al., 1998. Churchill Livingstone: Philadelphia. 788 pp. ISBN 0 443 08717 2
This book, of over 300 pages, with 28 contributors, is a valuable contribution to the field of forensic identification. The timing of this publication is also appropriate considering the number of unidentified missing-person cases that remain unresolved throughout the world, and the horrific problems relating to the identification of bodies and definition of cause of death in mass graves (unfortunately a topical issue). The uniqueness of this book lies in the fact that it is well written, easy-to-read and deals with commonly faced issues. This undoubtedly cannot be accomplished without the contribution of many prominent experts. We consider this handy textbook to be particularly useful for those practising forensic medicine in countries with limited resources. The recent trend in homicide cases of attempts to conceal the identity of the victim has introduced a new challenge for those in forensic medicine. Therefore, multiple approaches are required to accomplish identification. This book has succeeded in integrating the various techniques within forensic medicine, which is the book's strongest feature, but inevitably, with more than 20 chapters, there is some duplication. The fourth part of the publication focuses on medico-legal issues, which are important, but often no more than superficially touched upon by the medical profession. In conclusion, the greatest strength of this book is that it combines and summarises a mass of information. Although most of this material has been published elsewhere, it is of great benefit to have it in one small, handy publication. Most of the authors are undoubtedly experts, and most of them have an international standing. This book will be of particular interest to forensic pathologists, forensic odontologists and forensic anthropologists who want to bring themselves up to date with current forensic medicine issues and, in particular, to doctors in the field who need a quick and handy reference. GATOT LAO Hasanuddin University, Ujung Pandang, Indonesia
This book is a highly specialized text dealing specifically with the subject of dermatopathology. At first, it is likely to have little or no obvious or immediate attraction for the clinical forensic medical examiner, however, on a closer inspection, the subject of dermatopathology does have some striking similarities with clinical forensic medicine. Both areas of medicine are, in essence, trying to offer definitive interpretations of patterns of tissue reaction: the former microscopically, the latter, macroscopically. Clinicians in both specialties are frequently presented with a paucity of 'clinical information', e.g. 'swelling on leg? cause'. Their difficulties may be compounded when, for example, the microscope is capable of showing differences where clinically none exist; and two macroscopic patterns of skin trauma, e.g. lacerations and incisions which appear so different and distinctive in the forensic situation can give microscopically almost identical appearances. Indeed, both disciplines are bedeviled by the complexities and pitfalls of wide differential diagnoses, with subsequent difficulties of interpretation, and embarrassing medico-legal court appearances if one 'gets it wrong'. Dermatopathology, however, is a fascinating and, fortunately, rarely litigious subject (at least in the UK), which in our opinion is well covered in this specialist text. The seven eminent co-authors, and individually well-referenced chapters means one can be confident that this book is wide ranging, in-depth and up to date. The text is both lucid and authoritative, and the numerous line drawings illustrate the technical aspects of the subject well. Particularly well covered is chapter one which discusses, 'The normal skin'. The diagrams and photomicrographs are plentiful, and for the forensic physician, illustrate well the regional histological variation in the relative thickness of the different elements of the stratum corneum, epidermis and dermis. Such variation being one of several important factors accounting for some of the different injury patterns seen at different sites of the body. However, despite several of the authors having great expertise as clinical dermatologists, they have often given the briefest discussion of the clinical features of a condition. In addition, the detail and differential diagnoses presented in some of the algorithms, e.g. 70 for the diagnosis of an interface dermatitis (e.g. Lichen planus), is excessive.
PETER SAHELANGI Bhayangkara Police Hospital, Ujung Pandang, Indonesia 118
BOOK REVIEWS Craniofacial Identification in Forensic Medicine John G. Clement and David L. Ranson (eds), 1998.Oxford University Press: London. 306 pp. ISBN 0 340 607599
Cutaneous Pathology Maize et al., 1998. Churchill Livingstone: Philadelphia. 788 pp. ISBN 0 443 08717 2
This book, of over 300 pages, with 28 contributors, is a valuable contribution to the field of forensic identification. The timing of this publication is also appropriate considering the number of unidentified missing-person cases that remain unresolved throughout the world, and the horrific problems relating to the identification of bodies and definition of cause of death in mass graves (unfortunately a topical issue). The uniqueness of this book lies in the fact that it is well written, easy-to-read and deals with commonly faced issues. This undoubtedly cannot be accomplished without the contribution of many prominent experts. We consider this handy textbook to be particularly useful for those practising forensic medicine in countries with limited resources. The recent trend in homicide cases of attempts to conceal the identity of the victim has introduced a new challenge for those in forensic medicine. Therefore, multiple approaches are required to accomplish identification. This book has succeeded in integrating the various techniques within forensic medicine, which is the book's strongest feature, but inevitably, with more than 20 chapters, there is some duplication. The fourth part of the publication focuses on medico-legal issues, which are important, but often no more than superficially touched upon by the medical profession. In conclusion, the greatest strength of this book is that it combines and summarises a mass of information. Although most of this material has been published elsewhere, it is of great benefit to have it in one small, handy publication. Most of the authors are undoubtedly experts, and most of them have an international standing. This book will be of particular interest to forensic pathologists, forensic odontologists and forensic anthropologists who want to bring themselves up to date with current forensic medicine issues and, in particular, to doctors in the field who need a quick and handy reference. GATOT LAO Hasanuddin University, Ujung Pandang, Indonesia
This book is a highly specialized text dealing specifically with the subject of dermatopathology. At first, it is likely to have little or no obvious or immediate attraction for the clinical forensic medical examiner, however, on a closer inspection, the subject of dermatopathology does have some striking similarities with clinical forensic medicine. Both areas of medicine are, in essence, trying to offer definitive interpretations of patterns of tissue reaction: the former microscopically, the latter, macroscopically. Clinicians in both specialties are frequently presented with a paucity of 'clinical information', e.g. 'swelling on leg? cause'. Their difficulties may be compounded when, for example, the microscope is capable of showing differences where clinically none exist; and two macroscopic patterns of skin trauma, e.g. lacerations and incisions which appear so different and distinctive in the forensic situation can give microscopically almost identical appearances. Indeed, both disciplines are bedeviled by the complexities and pitfalls of wide differential diagnoses, with subsequent difficulties of interpretation, and embarrassing medico-legal court appearances if one 'gets it wrong'. Dermatopathology, however, is a fascinating and, fortunately, rarely litigious subject (at least in the UK), which in our opinion is well covered in this specialist text. The seven eminent co-authors, and individually well-referenced chapters means one can be confident that this book is wide ranging, in-depth and up to date. The text is both lucid and authoritative, and the numerous line drawings illustrate the technical aspects of the subject well. Particularly well covered is chapter one which discusses, 'The normal skin'. The diagrams and photomicrographs are plentiful, and for the forensic physician, illustrate well the regional histological variation in the relative thickness of the different elements of the stratum corneum, epidermis and dermis. Such variation being one of several important factors accounting for some of the different injury patterns seen at different sites of the body. However, despite several of the authors having great expertise as clinical dermatologists, they have often given the briefest discussion of the clinical features of a condition. In addition, the detail and differential diagnoses presented in some of the algorithms, e.g. 70 for the diagnosis of an interface dermatitis (e.g. Lichen planus), is excessive.
PETER SAHELANGI Bhayangkara Police Hospital, Ujung Pandang, Indonesia 118