The paleopathology of an Aleutian mummy

A multidisciplinary team examined an Aleutian mummy from the collection of the Peabody Museum of Archeology and Ethnology of Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass. The mummy, dating from the early 18th century, was of a middle-aged woman who had suffered from pulmonary and ear infections, atherosclerosis, pediculosis, and degenerative joint disease. Another finding was anthracosis, common in ancient bodies and related to indoor heating and cooking fires. Skeletal lead was not found, in contrast with the high levels seen in modern persons. No neoplasms were identified, again consistent with the results of previous studies of ancient human remains. Such comparisons of ancient and modern morbidity and mortality provide a historical perspective on the evolution and cause of human disease.