"4. Examine the bones with reference to age, sex, and muscular development of the deceased.
"5. Note the presence or absence of signs of constitutional disease, local disease of bone or adjacent structures, old or recent injuries, and any other departures from the normal or usual.
"6. Observe the presence or absence of adipocere and its position, if present.
"7. Note any remains of tendons, ligaments or other soft structures.
"8. Examine the Sidcup hand with reference to the question as to whether the finger was separated before or after death.
"9. Estimate the probable period of submersion and note any changes (as e.g., mineral or organic staining) due to the character of the water or mud.
"10. Ascertain the circumstances (immediate and remote) that led to the discovery of the bones and the names of the persons concerned in those circumstances.
"11. Commit all information to writing as soon as possible, and make plans and diagrams on the spot, if circumstances permit.
"12. Preserve an impassive exterior: listen attentively but without eagerness; ask as few questions as possible; pursue any inquiry that your observations on the spot may suggest."
These were my instructions, and, considering that I was going merely to inspect a few dry bones, they appeared rather formidable; in fact, the more I read them over the greater became my misgivings as to my qualifications for the task.