Staff
Miss Devon Kase
(email at d.l.kase@durham.ac.uk)
Research Topic
Congenital Abnormalities in 18th and 19th Century North-East England
In the bioarchaeological literature, numerous case studies of individuals with evidence of congenital defects can be found. While these studies are important in disseminating information on the presence of certain conditions at a certain point in time or region, or in better defining osteological diagnoses, little more can be learned from these reports. Population studies are important as they can show developmental defects as a result of changes in environment, cultural practices, and immigration though few have been undertaken.
This research will analyze skeletal remains from multiple cemetery sites dating to the 18th and 19th centuries from both urban and rural sites in North-East England. Frequencies of congenital defects will be recorded and then compared between sites. As part of a holistic approach, historical and archaeological records of living conditions during this time period, in addition to modern clinical research into the causes of congenital defects will be examined. All of this information will be combined to look for prevalence patterns that may be contributed to the increase in industrialization and urbanization occurring at that time.
