Weinstein, P. Palaeopathology by proxy: the case of Egil’s bones

• Author: Weinstein, P.
• Title: Palaeopathology by Proxy. The Case of Egil’s Bones
• Published in: Journal of Archaeological Science 32
• Year: 2005
• Pages: 1077-82
• E-text:
• Reference: Weinstein, P. "Palaeopathology by Proxy. The Case of Egil’s Bones. Journal of Archaeological Science 32 (2005): 1077-82.

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• Key words: medicine (læknisfræði)

Annotation

Egil’s bone deformities as described in Egils saga are consistant with skeletal fluorosis, and fluoride poisoning through drinking water contaminated by volcanic ash could explain why his face is described as being disfigured even at a relatively young age. The saga permits discussion of a range of possible diagnoses and illustrates the potential value of historical narrative (“excavating words”) in the field of human palaeopathology.

Links

• Written by: Katelin Parsons
• Icelandic translation: