title: Analysis of ceramic substrate found in cremains.
abstract: With the recent increase in the number of lawsuits questioning the possible commingling of cremains, recognition of nonosseous artifacts may aid in the circumstantial identification of a decedent. The remains of a cremated individual were analyzed both macroscopically and microscopically. Examination of material ranging in size from 1.5 cm x 1.0 cm to less than 0.5 cm yielded evidence of numerous nonosseous artifacts. Of primary interest were several fragmentary ceramic objects located in the material, which were pieced together under a microscope and photographed to reveal the imprint of circuitry suggesting a computer chip, subsequently identified from a pacemaker. Although this particular ceramic substrate did not have the necessary markings to facilitate identification of the manufacturer, the pacemaker brand may aid in identification.
authors.affiliation: Human Identification Laboratory, Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson.
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Huxley
mesh_terms: D002516:Ceramics; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009027:Mortuary Practice; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial