# Uncovering Seasonal Death Patterns Through Hair Analysis
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Hair Analysis in Archaeology
The examination of hair from a historical figure can reveal significant insights into their life and death. In a compelling investigation, researchers studied a lock of hair from Edith Cook, a young girl who died in 1876. Each segment of her hair corresponds to different climatic conditions, allowing scientists to reconstruct the period of her passing.
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Section 1.1: The Context of Edith Cook's Discovery
In 2016, during construction work, the remains of Edith Howard Cook were uncovered in a backyard. Archaeologist Jelmer Eerkens, who participated in the identification process, expressed his emotional connection to the case, particularly as a parent himself. He noted the high mortality rates among children in the 1800s, often due to illnesses like tuberculosis and flu, which varied with the seasons.
Subsection 1.1.1: Historical Mortality Rates
By the early 20th century, children under five represented a staggering 30% of all deaths in the United States. Eerkens reflected on the emotional toll that such uncertainty would have had on families.
Section 1.2: Deciphering Death Through Hair Analysis
Recent research published in the American Journal of Physical Anthropology has introduced a novel technique for determining the season of death through hair samples. Eerkens and his colleagues successfully identified the season of Edith's death by analyzing hydrogen isotopes in her hair, demonstrating how seasonal variations can impact mortality rates across different societies.
Chapter 2: Methodology and Findings
The connection between seasonal conditions and mortality rates has been well-documented throughout history. By decoding these patterns, researchers can enrich our understanding of past human experiences.
The first video, "3 BODY PROBLEM Ending Explained! - YouTube," discusses the complexities of narrative structure and how they can be interpreted through various lenses, much like how seasonal patterns can be derived from hair analysis.
Using isotopes, which are variations of chemical elements, scientists can gauge the environmental interactions of individuals. Hair, particularly, is a valuable resource for this type of analysis because it continually grows throughout a person's life, providing a detailed timeline of their experiences.
Eerkens and his team meticulously analyzed Edith's hair, segmenting it into 32 parts to measure fluctuations in hydrogen isotopes. Their findings aligned with historical records, confirming that Edith passed away in the autumn of 1876.
In the second video, "Seasonality and Serenity - feat Alain de Botton - YouTube," the discussion revolves around understanding the impact of seasonal changes on human psychology, paralleling how these changes affect mortality patterns.
Despite the potential of this method, experts like Kate Britton and Siân Halcrow caution that the analysis is limited to well-preserved hair samples, as various environmental factors can contribute to degradation. Nevertheless, hair can withstand certain conditions, such as being waterlogged or frozen, which can aid in uncovering historical epidemics.
In conclusion, Eerkens' research paves the way for new insights into historical mortality patterns, showcasing how isotopic analysis of hair can reveal intricate details about past human lives. The potential applications of this method extend far beyond Edith Cook, offering a glimpse into the seasonal dynamics of health and mortality across different cultures and eras.
Max G. Levy is a freelance science journalist based in Los Angeles, California.
Originally published at www.sapiens.org on November 17, 2020. This article was republished at The Atlantic.