[Determination of the time of death--integration of various partial methods]

The criteria for estimating time of death, lividity and rigor mortis according to data worked out by Mallach, together with data concerning the mechanical excitability of skeletal muscles (Prokop), the electrical excitability of face muscles and pharmacologic excitability of the iris (Klein and Klein) were combined with a nomogram of the rectal/brain temperature at time of death to make a rational and practical method of estimating time of death that would be suitable for use at a scene of crime. In each actual case, only a few additional criteria can be used to verify the upper and lower limits of the nomogram readings and to reduce these defined limits. For this reason the outer data from Mallach's tables and Klein's results were separated into upper and lower limits, chronologically arranged and clearly presented. After rectal temperature measurement and corresponding nomogram reading, it is easy to recognize which further criteria must be examined. Analysis of the test results is extremely simple with the aid of the proposed chart.