[On a newly modified method for plastic reconstruction of the face using the skull (based on Kollman data)]

Since Kollmann & Büchly (1898) presented for the first time a plastic reconstruction of the face on the skull, which was based on empiric data, this method has been improved continuously. Up to now, however, doubts on its reliability could not be removed completely. While in the meantime the reconstruction of the large organs of the face could be based on a more secured empiric basis, this was not possible concerning the remaining surface of the face. This could be surmounted using the measurements of the soft parts of the living body (34 items) proposed by Helmer (1980). Basing on these measurements the author presents a newly modified method for the plastic reconstruction of the face on the skull. Among others he accepts as basic pattern the principle of parallel profile lines suggested by Helmer (to identify skulls by means of superposition of electronic pictures). By that the author is of the opinion that he has improved the possibility of verifying and reproducing acquired results. It is recommended to fill still uncertain methodological gaps by distinct working hypothesis. However, on plastic reconstructions unclear details should be treated in such a way that they are standing out against the remaining surface. The potential scope of the plastic reconstruction of the face on the skull has been limited by Helmer's method (identification of skulls), but is basically still unchanged.