<Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <P> Algor mortis (Latin: algor--coldness; mortis--of death), the second stage of death, is the change in body temperature post mortem, until the ambient temperature is matched . This is generally a steady decline, although if the ambient temperature is above the body temperature (such as in a hot desert), the change in temperature will be positive, as the (relatively) cooler body acclimates to the warmer environment . External factors can have a significant influence . Algor mortis also occurs when the body dies . </P> <P> This was first used by DOWLER in 1849 . The first published measurements of the intervals of temperature after death were done by Dr John Davey in 1839 . </P> <P> A measured rectal temperature can give some indication of the time of death . Although the heat conduction which leads to body cooling follows an exponential decay curve, it can be approximated as a linear process: 2 ° Celsius during the first hour and 1 ° Celsius per hour until the body nears ambient temperature . </P>

How does a pathologist take a corpse's body temperature