Forensic Multidisciplinary Analysis - Essay Example

Running Head: Dis Analysis “The ‘relics of Joan of Arc A forensic multidisciplinary analysis” A Dis Analysis This essay is written to present a discourse analysis on the article on forensic science entitled “The ‘relics of Joan of Arc’: A forensic multidisciplinary analysis”. The aim of this method is to expose the implicit values and hidden assumptions that legitimize existing practices. This discourse analysis would include: (1) a brief outline of the chosen text; (2) the identification of at least two key themes which the discourse analysis has produced, together with an analysis of these themes using direct quotations from the source material to support the argument; and (3) a brief conclusion in response to the findings (i.e. what does the analysis say about existing practices? What might be its implications?). Introduction The history of forensic photography can be traced from its roots in “the early 1800s in Belgium and Denmark when inmates of prisons were photographed for record purposes” (Gibbons 1). The history slowly evolved in a span of a century with the development of technology improving the equipments used in photographing the crime scenes. Eventually, this field of endeavor was incorporated in the field of forensic science. An interesting article in this field of endeavor was published recently at the Forensic Science International entitled “The ‘relics of Joan of Arc’: A forensic multidisciplinary analysis”. It is a contemporary case study which aims to validate the authenticity of archeological remains specifically that of Joan of Arc, the renowned French saint, using medico-legal techniques. This essay is written to present a discourse analysis on the abovementioned article on forensic science with the aim of exposing the implicit values and hidden assumptions that legitimize existing practices. This discourse analysis would include: (1) a brief outline of the chosen text; (2) the identification of at least two key themes which the discourse analysis has produced, together with an analysis of these themes using direct quotations from the source material to support the argument; and (3) a brief conclusion in response to the findings (i.e. what does the analysis say about existing practices? What might be its implications?). Brief Outline Archeological relics were found in a Bottle of Chinon “on whose cap is written the text: “Restes trouvés sous le bûcher de Jeanne d’Arc, Pucelle d’Orléans” (i.e., “remains found under the pyre of Joan of Arc, maiden of Orleans”). Case facts revealed that the renowned saint, Joan of Arc, died through burning at a very young age of 19. She was burned at a market place in Rouen (Normandy) on 30 May 1431. In this regard, fourteen specialists of varying fields of endeavor (forensic anthropologist, medical examiners, pathologists, geneticists, radiologist, biochemists, palynologists, zoologist and archaeologist) analyzed the sample of the relics to verify its authenticity through the utilization of contemporary techniques on medico-legal orientations. Themes Produced The analysis used small quantities of human bones of carbonized aspect specifically detailed as follows: “a human rib 10 cm long, covered with a blackish coating with a bituminous aspect; a fragment of human vertebra (transverse apophysis) covered with the same blackish coating; a half proximal cat femur also covered with the same blackish coating; a brownish textile scrap 10 cm long; and three fragments of ‘charcoals’ 1.5–2 cm long.” (Charlier, et.al., 2010, par. 3) To confirm the authenticity of the sample, various techniques were necessary, to wit: “anthropological and zoological methods, DNA analyses, microscopy (e.g., binocular magnifying lenses, optical and scanning electronic microscope (SEM)), elemental analysis and carbon dating.” (Charlier, et.al., 2010, par. 4) This case study was instrumental in confirming that contemporary medico-legal techniques are comprehensive and efficient in determining the authenticity of archeological relics. The scope and extent of the analysis and instruments used were relevant to confirm different aspects of the sample: the DNA analysis aimed to determine the sex of the bones attributed to Joan of Arc. The microscopic analyses were necessary to examine the fragmented and decalcified samples in minute details. The elemental analyses were instrumental in breaking the components into major elements to determine concentrations of each component with references to human tissues, cremated bone, whole human body and bones, in general. Finally, carbon dating identified the exact date(s) or the range of dates from when the sample was extracted. Brief Conclusion Combined techniques, from DNA analyses, specifically that of microscopic and elemental analysis lead the specialists to confirm that the archeological relics found were not at all burned or cremated. The black fragments which originally were though to be charcoal associated with burning were indeed “proved to be only clusters of balsam carrying calcite inclusions.” (Charlier, et.al., 2010, par. 29) These were found to be the usual components of the product used by Egyptians when embalming their dead. As such, the scholars concluded that “all these results tended to indicate that the samples contained in the glass bottle of Chinon (presented as the ‘relics of Joan of Arc’) are not consistent with burned remains of human or animal bone, but rather covered with a blackish substance, which gives the appearance of being charred.” (Charlier, et.al., 2010, par. 41) Further, the container was scrutinized to confirm its banality being produced in either the end of the 18th century or early 19th century. The inscriptions were also examined to confirm that it “makes use of a 19th century archaic-like writing, that is, imitating a former style (17th or 18th century).” (Charlier, et.al., 2010, par. 45) In all indications, contemporary medico-legal techniques gave credence to validate the forgery of the relics. Implications The case in forensic science confirms the need for a multidisciplinary analysis in order to confirm the authenticity of an archeological relic. Even when contemporary forensic instruments appear to be sophisticated and highly technological enough to verify and confirm sources of archeological remains, counter techniques and other disciplines are necessary to validate the find. Summary Samples of this nature could be analyzed in the future using the same order of systematic and comprehensive analysis focusing on a multidisciplinary approach. Forensic science acknowledges that in search for the truth, coordinated efforts from diverse endeavors including (but not limited to) medical examiners, pathologists, geneticists, radiologist, biochemists, palynologists, zoologist and archaeologist are a must. References Charlier, P., Poupon, J., Eb, A., De Mazancourt, P., Gilbert, T., Huynh-Charlier, I., Loublier, Y., Verhille, A.M., Moulheirat, C., Patou-Mathis, M., Robbiola, L., Montagut, R., Masson, F., Etcheberry, A., Brun, L., Willerslev, E., Lorin de la Grandmaison, G., & Durigon, M. (January 2010). “The ‘relics of Joan of Arc’: A forensic multidisciplinary analysis”. Forensic Science International. Volume 194, Issues 1-3, pages e9 – e15. Gibbons, J. (2009). “The History of Forensic Photography.” eHow.com. Retrieved 19 January 2010. Read More