Estimated Stature of Unknown Specimen #3

Six unknown skeletons from the JCCC anatomy collection are being analyzed to estimate the height of the skeletons. This is possible because of the correlation between bone length and height. Full skeleton and linear regression methods were used to estimate a range of height at the time of death. Applying the full skeleton method used the measurements of the cranium, vertebrae, femur, tibia and ankle. Then, using the measurements combined with the soft tissue correction equation stature was estimated. We also used the linear regression method, measuring separate bones and applying stature equations. Using the full skeleton method we estimated our skeleton stature to be 144.35cm (4.74 ft). Whereas using regression analysis of the femur, fibula, and humerus, we estimated the stature range to be 145.25cm-161.70cm (4.77 ft - 5.31 ft) based on the European female regression formulas. These results are similar to each other indicating the reliability of the estimations. Unfortunately without an accurate background on the skeleton regarding age, ancestry, and gender, the results are imperfect and have room for error. If this research was to be performed again with the origin of the skeleton and more accurate measurements then the results would be more precise.