Analysis of ceramic substrate found in cremains.
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.
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Human Identification Laboratory, Arizona State Museum, University of Arizona, Tucson.
D002516:Ceramics; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009027:Mortuary Practice; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial