
Researchers from the University of Bradford have started work on a project to catalogue, digitise and promote the work of one of the UK’s leading palaeopathologists.
The Calvin Wells Archive Collection, created by renowned palaeopathologist Calvin Wells (1908-1978), will be the focus of a brand-new research project thanks to a grant of nearly £140,000 from the Wellcome Trust. It includes documents, images and films relating to the study of disease in the past, primarily from archaeological human skeletons.
Mr Wells studied archaeological human skeletons and mummified remains to examine diseases from the past and understand how they developed and were treated.
The project, which started in June and will run for 18 months, will undertake the cataloguing, digitisation and promotion of the Calvin Wells Archive Collection with the intention of creating a valuable resource for the study of palaeopathology and osteology.
Once catalogued and described, it is anticipated that Wells’ bone reports, associated research notes, and radiographic and photographic material will inform and motivate new and on-going scientific research.