Archeometric detection of mercury: A paleopharmacological case study of skeletal remains of a child with vitamin deficiencies (Rouen, France, late 18-19th centuries).

Objective: The French medico-historical literature reports the common use of mercury-based treatments until the mid-19th century. An exploratory paleopharmacological approach is presented for detecting mercury in a child's skeletal remains suffering from vitamin deficiencies. This aims to corroborate written sources and provide a way to better understand disease therapeutic management.

Diagnostic guide enabling distinction between taphonomic stains and enamel hypomineralisation in an archaeological context.

Objective: Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) is a structural anomaly that affects the quality of tooth enamel and has important consequences for oral health. The developmentally hypomineralised enamel has normal thickness and can range in colour from white to yellow or brown with or without surface breakdown. The possibility of finding MIH in 'ancient populations' could downplay several current aetiological hypotheses (e.