[Determination of the blood group properties of bones subjected to the decay process]

The aim of the present study was to make generalizations concerning the results of serological examinations of bones subjected to the process of decay. The specimens examined were taken from the femur. Some of the specimens had been subjected to decay for a period of some years, after which they were examined using the absorption-elution method in accordance with classical principles. Finally, successive dilutions of eluted antibodies were performed with a view to establishing the "antigenic force" of the material under examination. It was found that, owing to the process of bone decay, there is a decrease in the original "antigenic force", which is accompanied by the appearance (in a weak form) of non-specific serological reactions, which are much weaker in strength than specific ones. It was concluded that for the interpretation of the actual blood group of decayed bones the term "diagnostic" can only be applied to a range of dilutions not exceeding that of non-specific agglutinations.