The American journal of forensic medicine and pathology
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Am J Forensic Med Pathol · Dec 1991
Historical ArticleTattoos and tattooing. Part I: History and methodology.
Most medical examiners and pathologists who routinely perform autopsies identify tattoos on a daily basis. However, these dermagraphics generally are given only cursory inspection and description, if at all, although many pathologists photograph particularly unique, unusual, or bizarre examples. ⋯ This article, the first of three parts, provides a brief but comprehensive history of tattooing from both the worldwide and Western perspectives, describes how professional tattooing is done, and illustrates the machines involved and the various constituents of the inks that are currently used. The second and third articles will explore the gross and histopathology of tattoos, methods of tattoo removal, medical applications and complications associated with tattoos, psychology and psychopathology of tattoos, and the importance of tattoos in forensic medicine.