A large cod (total length 109cm) was prepared by masceration and the bones rinsed and air dried. The bones listed in Table 1 were selected (fin rays, branchiostegal, and intermuscular bones are not sufficiently characteristic to be identified to species).
The bones were individually weighed and placed in a nylon mesh bag. The bag was placed on a vinyl covered concrete floor and an adult male weighing roughly 75kg walked on the bones for 25 paces. The bones were examined, recorded, weighed and replaced in the bag. The bones were again placed on the floor and walked on for an additional 50 paces when they were re-examined and recorded. The bones were rebagged and subjected to a further 100 pace trampling, recorded and subjected to a final 200 paces. Thus the bones were examined after 25, 75, 175 and 375 paces. The same person walked on the bones wearing the same synthetically soled leather shoes. As the aim of the experiment was to break the bones, the noise made during the walking was closely monitored. During the 100 and 200 pace tramples, the amount of cracking diminished after 20 or 30 paces. To increase bone breakage the bag was shaken in order to reorientate the bones so that further walking would cause damage.
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Last updated: Thu Dec 16 1999