Experts in understanding how the body functions in life, pathologists are equally knowledgeable on the gradual decay once the spark has gone out. In fact, death is their stock in trade.

These highly specialised physicians determine the structural and functional changes taking place in a body. They do this using a variety of methods – usually during autopsy.  The pathologist examines the body by cutting it open to inspect the internal organs and establish time and cause of death. 

For example, the gastric process shuts down at the time of death so analysing undigested food left in the stomach gives some idea of what happened in the hours and minutes leading up to the event.

Of course, pathologists also work with the living. They’re often called in to can determine how an injury has come about during an assault or a rape. The Royal College of Pathology refers to their work as hidden science.