How should we diagnose disease in palaeopathology? Some epistemological considerations.

摘要: Abstract This paper analyses some of the epistemological frameworks that underpin diagnosis in palaeopathology. Currently, dominant approach is comparative: relationships between skeletal lesions and disease a reference group which there independent evidence diseases present individuals are used to identify unknown archaeological skeletons on basis present. essentially sample – target approach, analogous develop methodology other areas biological anthropology (e.g. age estimation palaeodemography). As well as considerable strengths, this also has significant weaknesses. Many these arise from nature material (mainly pathology museum collections, published collations medical imaging data) diagnostic criteria. There may be tendency toward over-emphasis pattern-matching material, an under-emphasis developing our understanding biology bone lesions. Despite its shortcomings, comparative likely remain foundation most palaeopathological work, but we should increasingly augment it with approaches, especially those grounded pathophysiology bony responses disease.