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The application of the rectal temperature time of death nomogram at the scene of death by 11 authors from 6 lego-medical institutes resulted in a standard deviation of the differences between nomographic and real death time of +/- 1.3 h in 46 cases (group I) with met requirements and clearly defined points of contact, nevertheless, including 9 cases with a more progressive cooling (0.5 greater than Q greater than or equal to 0.2). In cases with a real death time of more than 4h (N = 26) the standard deviation was +/- 1.0 hours corresponding to permissible variation of 95% of +/- 2.0 hours. Consequently, the permissible variation of 95% was much smaller than that suggested by the nomogram. The nomographic death time interval did not agree with the real one in 5 cases out of additional 30 cases with recognizably unsure points of contact (group II).

When tablet residues are found in the gastrointestinal tract during autopsy, this does not only indicate the possible presence of intoxication, but may also provide indications with the regard to the kind of intoxication (e.g. suicide) if the amount of tablets is considered. If tablets have already dissolved and thus large portions can no longer be detected with the naked eye, a definitive appraisal with regard to the presence of tablet residues is often difficult or even impossible on the autopsy table. A polarization microscopic screening method is described which enables identification of characteristic tablet auxiliary substances (maize starch, sodium carboxymethyl starch, microcristalline cellulose or sodium carboxymethyl cellulose) to be identified immediately and simply in the gastrointestinal contents. It also enables a rapid orientative screening for tablet residues in glasses found or the fluid these contained as well as in aspirated material and vomit. If the active agent of the tablet can be detected by chemical toxicology, the polarization microscopic diagnosis of abundant tablet auxiliary substances is compatible with intake of large amounts of drugs, which makes self-administration highly probable.

We report a "crowsfoot-like" pattern in the smoke marks around the entrance of a close-range bullet wound in the center of the forehead; the weapon in this homicide was a revolver. This pattern only occurs if the facial muscles that form expression are completely contracted at the moment the shooting occurs and if the victim expects the event. The wrinkles gather around the entrance of the bullet, and this wound pattern may indicate that the shot was expected by the victim and represent a piece of the mosaic that might help clarify the circumstances in a case.