Estimation of the Time Since Death in the Early Postmortem Period [Hardcover]

Claus Henssge (Author), Thomas Krompecher (Author), Burkhard Madea (Author), Leonard Nokes (Author), Bernard Knight (Author, Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0340573198 | ISBN-13: 978-0340573198 | Publication Date: January 15, 1995 | Edition: 1st

This is the first book in the English language entirely devoted to the scientific estimation of the time since death. This topic is of intense interest to forensic pathologists and many others involved in medicolegal work. The book covers all methods of death-time estimation with a detailed coverage of their scientific basis and extensive bibliographies. There are also summaries emphasizing practical aspects of death-time estimation for the busy pathologist.

Editorial Reviews

Review

" ... a very timely book ... a valuable contribution to the literature and keeps forensic scientists abreast of the latest methods in use for the determination of the time of death." Journal of the Canadian Society for Forensic Science (June 1997)

The combination of practical advice, scientific detail and extensive referencing mean that this book should be on the shelf of any pathologist asked to give an opinion as to the time of death. I am sure it will be on the shelves of cross-examining lawyers. - Science and Justice (Journal of the Forensic Science Society)

The list of authors instils a sense of confidence in the reader who is assured that the review will not only be thorough but also of excellent quality....this comprehensive, authoritative text should be on the library shelves of all forensic pathologists. - Bulletin of the Royal College of Pathologists

About the Author

Claus Henssge, Professor of Forensic Medicine, University of Essen. Burkhard Madea, Professor of Forensic Medicine, University of Koln.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 262 pages
• Publisher: Hodder Arnold Publishers; 1st edition (January 15, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0340573198
• ISBN-13: 978-0340573198
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,494,665 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Don't waste your money, January 6, 2001

By 

MGSWS (Toledo, OH USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Estimation of the Time Since Death in the Early Postmortem Period (Hardcover)

This is a terrible book. It is a hodge-podge of different methods of estimation of the time since death compiled by european professors... The methods described are useless, and highlight that this is an art, rather than a science. For example, the incredible number of nomograms attempting to describe all sorts of conditions a body may be found in, emphasize that judgement and experience are the ultimate determinants of the estimate of the time of death. As a forensic pathologist who does more than 400 cases a year, I know a little bit about the subject. Stick to rules of thumb such as the ones in Spitz's book, and spend your money elsewhere.

4.0 out of 5 stars Turgid but worthy, February 5, 2001

By 

ian clark (connecticut usa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Estimation of the Time Since Death in the Early Postmortem Period (Hardcover)

The only serious attempt to scientifically address the problem faced by forensic pathologists and to answer the questions that are frequently asked of the examining pathologist by the court.The fact that many factors affect the rate of change post mortem is no surprise. Unfortunately this makes for turgid reading. Spitz's rules of thumb are no more than common sense and good for armchair forensic detectives (such as the previous reviewer?). Knight and Henssge are very respected pathologists in their field; although their book is not particularly user- friendly, anyone with a professional interest in this topic should at least be aware with it.