Conclusions and Future Research

The medical waste deposit recovered from behind the Point San Jose Hospital most likely represents the leftover remains from anatomical dissections. The remains comprise approximately 4,550 commingled skeletal elements, many of which bear signs of anatomical dissection, including incised and saw cut marks. Demographic analyses identified both males and females and various age groups with statures below average for military servicemembers. Paleopathological analyses suggest moderate rates of disease and nutritional stress. Stable isotope data indicate diets similar to contemporaneous individuals from the south Bay Area, and also indicate that the remains represent a mix of local and nonlocal individuals. Historical data point to Dr. Edwin Bentley as most likely responsible for the deposition of the remains behind the hospital. The historical and archaeological context suggest that the remains likely derived from unclaimed bodies, consistent with structural violence against marginalized individuals. Future research directions include closer examination of historical artifacts, a more in-depth analysis of incised and saw cut mark distribution, a more detailed assessment of the faunal assemblage, an expanded examination of the use of stable isotopes to narrow down birthplace region of origin, and ancient DNA studies to better understand how and why specific individuals were targeted for dissection.