Importance of Adipocere in Determining the Cause of Death

Adipocere (term coined by Fourcroy in 1789) also known as corpse wax or grave wax or mortuary wax, derives its name ‘adipo’ and ‘cire’ meaning the affinity with both fat and wax. It is a late but sure sign of death. It becomes extremely difficult for crime investigators to determine the cause of death in bodies in an advanced stage of decomposition. In such instances, changes like the formation of adipocere and mummification help to preserve certain features and injuries that aid in the determination of identity and in determination of the cause of death of the body. This paper highlights a case in which adipocere was developed and its significance in determining the cause of death. However, decomposition changes like the formation of adipocere, helps to preserve injuries which can aid the forensic experts in opining about the cause of death and hence thereby assisting the law enforcers in administering of justice.