Parasitological and Macrobotanical Analyses of a Late-18th Century Privy, Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Heather Trigg; Susan Jacobucci; Marisa D. Patalano

Parasitological and Macrobotanical Analyses of a Late-18th Century Privy, Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Author(s): Heather Trigg; Susan Jacobucci; Marisa D. Patalano

Year: 2011

Summary

Five soil samples from a late eighteenth-century privy at the Wentworth site in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, were submitted to the Fiske Center for parasitological and macrobotanical analysis in order to illuminate the diet, health, and sanitation practices of the site's occupants. Over 2000 macrobotanical remains were recovered from these five samples, as well as 516 parasite ova which were interpreted as evidence of both roundworm (Ascaris sp.) and whipworm (Trichuris sp.) infestation. Macrobotanical analysis revealed consumption of locally available fruits, vegetables, and grains, as well as the use of herbal medicinal treatments such as poison hemlock (Conium), goosefoot (Chenopodium sp.) and St. John's Wort (Hypericum sp.).

Cite this Record

Parasitological and Macrobotanical Analyses of a Late-18th Century Privy, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Heather Trigg, Susan Jacobucci, Marisa D. Patalano. Andrew Fiske Memorial Center for Archaeological Research Cultural Management Study ,44. 2011 ( tDAR id: 367866) ; doi:10.6067/XCV8SX6BN3