According to Casper's dictum, the rate of putrefaction in air compared with water compared with burial follows which ratio?
- A 1 : 2 : 4
- B 1 : 2 : 8 ✓
- C 1 : 4 : 8
- D 2 : 4 : 8
Correct answer: B. 1 : 2 : 8
Explanation
Casper's dictum states that one week of putrefaction in air equals two weeks in water equals eight weeks in soil, giving the ratio 1 : 2 : 8. This reflects the retardation of aerobic bacterial activity in water and still further in grave soil. The other ratios reverse or distort this well-established teaching and are classic distractors.
Reference: Parikh's Textbook of Medical Jurisprudence, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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