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THE ATTIC : Adipocere

Date Added
MAY 2003
Adipocere is the result of a process called 'Saponification' which arises when a body has been immersed in water or interred in damp soil for a long period of time.


The phenomenon is caused by the hydrogenisation of normally semi-liquid body fats into hard 'suety' substance varying in colour from white to yellowish-white.  The process takes a long time - it is established on the face and neck between 4 and 5 months and on the trunk between 5 and 6 months if the body is in damp ground;  the change in water is more variable, Adipocere developing more slowly the lower the temperature.


Apart from serving as a broad indicator of time of death, the formation of Adipocere once established is irreversible and can to some extent protect the internal organs of the body - sometimes to a remarkable degree.

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