CSI: Investigating a Medieval Crime

On November 5, 2009, archaeologists exhumed the body of Tycho Brahe (1546 - 1601) from a tomb in Prague with the intention of clarifying the cause of the famous Danish astronomer's death. He is believed to have died from mercury poisoning. The researchers hope to use modern medical diagnostic tools to shed light on Brahe's medical history. They want to ascertain the real cause of death through the analysis of the remains of his bones, hair and clothing.

These tasks deal with mercury poisoning as well as with certain problems of mercury contamination through the mystery of Tycho's death.