DNA analysis of historic material

The National Trust for Scotland has been asked for permission for
non-destructive methods of DNA analysis to be carried out on
artefacts with a direct association with an historic figure, eg,
costume, hair or razors with a provenance to Bonnie Prince Charlie
or Robert Burns. Ethical and legal issues and risks already
identified include Intellectual Property rights, the legitimacy (or
illegitimacy) of bloodlines, identification of medical/genetic
disorders and possible future disputes surrounding artefact
provenance.

Have others had experience of this area of investigation?  If so,
I'd be very interested to hear of both the likelihood of achieving a
succesful technical outcome as well as learning of other possible
causes for concern.

Clare Meredith ACR
Head of Collections Conservation Services
The National Trust for Scotland
Wemyss House, 28 Charlotte Square
Edinburgh EH2 4ET


                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 22:6
                  Distributed: Saturday, July 19, 2008
                        Message Id: cdl-22-6-019
                                  ***