When the skeleton only is found, Taylor lays stress upon the following points:
(1) Whether the bones belong to a human being or one of the lower animals.
(2) If a human being, whether male or female.
(3) The length of time they have probably remained in the ground.
(4) The probable age of the individual to whom they belonged. If the maxillary bones be found, much information may be obtained from an examination of the teeth.
(5) The probable stature of the individual during life.
(6) The race to which he belonged. The conformation of the skull and thickness of the bones will give important information on this point.
(7) It should be determined whether solitary bones belong to the right or left side, and whether they form parts of one or more than one skeleton.
(8) Whether they have been fractured, and if so, whether it occurred during life, or by accident at the time of the exhumation. If it occurred during life, whether it be recent or of long standing.
(9) The presence or absence of personal deformities, of supernumerary fingers or toes, of curvature of the spine, of ankylosis of one or more joints.