Paleopathology of ancient Nubian human bone studied by chemical and electron microscopic methods

Abstract

The definition of the discipline of paleopathology is discussed together with the theoretical bases for its study. Interrelationships between anthropology and paleopathology are considered. A discussion of methods includes macroscopic, microscopic, electron microscopic, radiographic, electron diffraction, paleopidemiology, skeletal adaptations, serologic, paleoecologic, biochemical, and epigenetic traits. An example of study of Nubian material is as follows. Human bone 12,000–10,000 years of age from the Egyptian Nubian Desert has shown ultrastructural preservation of collagen with periodicity of 600 Å. Intact Haversian systems and osteones were retained, but content of hydroxyproline and nitrogen was negligible. The fluorine content was markedly elevated. The complex chemical process of fossilization with retention of gross and micromorphology was examined and indicated loss of organic material with probable replacement of some hydroxyapatite with amorphous and crystalline carbonates and phosphates.