Algor Mortis

By Crusader1307

Often ''debated'' as being either the 2nd or 3rd Stage of Organic Death - ''Algor Mortis'', or the Latin term for The ''Temperature of Death'', - will occupy (for us), as the 2nd Level of Termination (as it were). First truly studied in 1839, Algor Mortis is like it's ''Cousin'', Pallor Mortis - a questionable means of determining actual time of Death. As for Organic Life (Human), Our bodies maintain an average body temperature of 98.6 Degrees. However, this fugure can be slightly higher or lower based on metabolism and even disease (known or not known). Using this figure however, upon Death of a Body, the systems needed to regulate temperature stop. As such, The Body will begin to lose heat on a slow but gradual rate.

This Rate is based (and this is where actual time can be confused), on environmental factors. IF (by chance), a Body is in a cooled location (inside or outside), the body will slowly ''match'' it's outside environment. The ''loss'' is caculated at a rate of as much as 2 Degrees per hour of exposure (then 1 degree thereafter a 2-hour period). HOWEVER, if a body is exposed to a warmer locale, it may lower quite fast, again to match it's new environment. as one can imagine - especially in cases of ''Fou Play'', a body could be ''stored'' in a cold location for an extended period and then removed to a warmer one (although ''other'' methods of detection can then be employed).

For purposes of clarity, a ''normal'' Death in an environment of say 70-Degrees, for 1-hour will yield to Investigators a body temperature close to 96-Degrees and give a basic determination of TOD (Time of Death) - roughy. The current method for actual determination is rather abrupt for some, but nonetheless effective. This methods involves The Human Liver. This Organ, unlike all others for some reason - maintains it's normal temperature for a specific time, with measured decreases. Hence, Investigators often use a ''Liver Thermometer'' for an accurate ''reading''. The device, which resembles the kind YOU would use to determine the proper temperatire for a Turkey or other ''Big Game'' Bird, to determine it is properly ''cooked internally''.

The sharp spiked prong has an attached circular termometer plate reader on it's top. Upon determining the outside location of One's Liver (lower right side, slightly under the Diaphragm), the Thermometer is pushed through the skin roughy 5-inches deep (into the organ). After 5 to 10-minutes, the internal (and accurate body temperate) is known (through basic math of course). Hence, (under norma circumstances of Death) - Algor Mortis can be determined.