Paleoimaging

Description

Medical and industrial imaging methods have come to be recognized as powerful tools for documentation and data collection in many nontraditional settings. In Paleoimaging: Field Applications for Cultural Remains and Artifacts, two of the most preeminent experts in the field provide an in-depth examination of a range of imaging techniques and explain how these techniques can be applied to all aspects of forensic and archaeological analysis.

The first part of the book examines paleoimaging multimodalities, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each imaging technique in different scenarios. The authors explore photography, conventional radiography, endoscopy, and various forms of computer-based imaging. Next, they present methodological and procedural standards for the various imaging techniques. They also demonstrate how multimodal imaging can assist nondestructive data collection of non-biological cultural artefacts. A final section addresses radiation safety and field safety concerns. Case studies, tables, and templates of forms for documentation of findings enhance the text with practical information.

Filled with over 380 images, this book is supplemented with an accompanying CD in which the authors draw from their global experience in the paleoimaging of cultural remains and artefacts, offering a view of the diverse environments in which field paleoimaging is conducted. The breadth of the authors’ expertise and the rich images contained in the book and CD make this resource an essential reference for those who seek to explore the mysteries of the past.

Reviews

The authors are obviously experts; their knowledge and, more importantly, their experience, are impressive.

—Brenda Clark, M.A., Camosun College, Victoria, BC, Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal, Vol. 43 No. 1, March 2010

The book provides great detail, but it is not tedious reading. The number of pages (390) is just about right, not too long, and filled with many interesting pictures demonstrating creative, in-the-field set-up with corresponding images. I was impressed with the flow of the book … Each chapter logically builds upon the next. Case studies, tables, and templates of forms for documentation enhance the text with practical information. The companion CD provides a nice personal touch, giving one the feel of attending an experience is vividly portrayed in this book. I only wish I had the advantage of reading this book fifteen years ago, prior to my first forensic in-the-field experience. It would have enabled me to be more confident, and devoid of even the slightest glimmer of timidity when confronted by unexpectedly unique situations.

– Michael D. Calhoun, R.T., Radiology Director, Shady Grove Adventist Hospital writing in Scientific Sleuthing Review: The Many Uses of Forensic Science

Erudite, yet fascinating … The authors probably are the most qualified in the world to produce such a book. It offers scientific information and operational practicality spiced with case reports … Both are professors and co-directors of the Bioanthropological Research Institute at Quinnipiac University. …This team acquired a considerable public celebrity through cohosting and narrating stories of their worldwide archeological experiences on Discovery and Learning TV and a 40-episode series, ‘‘The Mummy Road Show’’ sponsored by the National Geographic Channel. … Conlogue’s explanations of radiation physics and radiation protection are remarkably lucid. Beckett explains the function and operation of the spectrum of medical and industrial endoscopes available.

…Paleoimaging is copiously illustrated with about 380 black and white images. … some radiographs and most of the color photographs (47 in all) are duplicated on glossy paper in a 12-page insert. … While this volume focuses on antiquities and anthropological remains, it is just as useful as a guide for field studies of the living with minor technical modification to accommodate musculoskeletal, respiratory, circulatory, and peristaltic motion. It is highly recommended to any forensic scientist whose field work requires the collection of on-site internal images of subjects investigated.

– B.G. Brogdon, MD writing in Journal of Forensic Sciences March 2010, Vol. 55, No. 2

Contents

Paleoimaging Multimodalities

Photography for Paleoimaging, R. Beckett and G. Conlogue

Conventional Radiography, G. Conlogue and R. Beckett

Computer-Based Imaging, G. Conlogue, R. Beckett, and J. Posh

Endoscopy: Field and Laboratory Application of Videoendoscopy in Anthropological and Archaeological Research, R. Beckett and G. Conlogue

Paleoimaging Standards

Radiographic Procedures and Standards, G. Conlogue and R. Beckett

Endoscopic Procedures and Standards, R. Beckett and G. Conlogue

Artifact Analysis

Paleoimaging the Internal Context, R. Beckett and G. Conlogue

Paleoimaging the External Context, R. Beckett and G. Conlogue

Paleoimaging Objects Out of Context, G. Conlogue and R. Beckett

Safety in the Field Setting

Field Paleoimaging Safety and Health Challenges, R. Beckett

Radiation Protection and Safety, G. Conlogue

Appendices

Appendix A: Recording Form for Radiographic Examination of Mummified or Skeletal Remains and Artifacts

Appendix B: Recording Form for Endoscopic Examination of Mummified or Skeletal Remains

Appendix C: Example of Risk Assessment Documentation

Appendix D: Expedition Kit List—Papua New Guinea

Appendix E: Statement of Health

Related Subjects

1. Forensics
2. Archaeology
3. Radiology & Nuclear Medicine
4. Forensic Science - Law
5. Archaeology
6. Radiology