Palaeopathology in Britain : a critical analysis of publications with the aim of exploring recent trends (1997-2006).

Abstract

This study collects data from three major journals and analyses them in order to assess the recent (1997-2006) nature of the study of palaeopathology within Britain. It considers the types of study published (case, population or method), whether findings are integrated with other data, the particular theme that is considered (diet, activity patterns, etc) and the particular pathological condition focused upon (metabolic, dental, etc). The findings show there is a move away from the traditional case study and an increase in the acknowledgement of the value of integrating data with wider information. There is also a bias towards certain themes and pathologies, reasons for which are discussed.