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From Dust to Data: How ILCD and ICD Codes Can Guide Genealogical Journeys
When we think about genealogy, our minds often go straight to the names, dates, and locations that help us map out our family trees. But beyond the vital records and census entries lies a deeper layer of understanding—one that gives life to the challenges and experiences of our ancestors. Exploring health conditions and causes of death is an essential but often-overlooked dimension of family history research. These details, found in death certificates, obituaries, and coroner’s reports, add depth and context to the lives of those who came before us.
However, deciphering these records isn’t always straightforward. The language of death certificates from decades or even centuries ago often reflects the medical knowledge, cultural norms, and idioms of the time. Terms like “dropsy,” “consumption,” or “brain fever” may leave us scratching our heads, wondering what modern conditions they correspond to. That’s where the International List of Causes of Death (ILCD) and its successor, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), come into play. These systems were developed to standardize how mortality data is recorded, making it easier to understand and compare across different periods and regions.
This book bridges the gap between these medical classification systems and the practical needs of genealogists. Whether you’re a novice researcher or a seasoned pro, you’ll find guidance here for interpreting the ILCD and ICD codes often found in older death records. These codes, once an enigma, are now valuable tools for understanding the health history of your ancestors and their communities.
Start by diving into the history of mortality classification systems, tracing their evolution from the 19th-century Bertillon Classification to today’s ICD framework. Along the way, you’ll learn how these systems shaped public health practices, improved medial knowledge, and enabled researchers to track global disease trends.
Next, focus on the practical side of genealogy. You’ll discover how to locate death records, decipher the codes and terminology they contain, and navigate the changes in disease names over time. We’ll also explore the cultural and geographic contexts that influenced which classification systems were used in different places and eras.
To make this process even more accessible, the book includes a comprehensive reference section. Here, you’ll find all of the ILCD and ICD revisions, key details about editions, and guidance on accessing these resources online. Also included are real-world case studies to illustrate how genealogists can use these tools to uncover stories hidden within cryptic death records.
Of course, exploring the health histories of our ancestors comes with its own set of ethical considerations. We’ll discuss how to handle sensitive discoveries with care and respect, ensuring that your family narratives honor both the privacy and dignity of those who came before you.
The goal of this book is to empower you to move beyond the basics of genealogy and uncover a richer, more human understanding of your family’s past. By decoding the language of mortality, you’ll not only gain insights into the challenges your ancestors faced but also create a more complete and compassionate picture of their lives.
With the right tools and a little determination, you’ll uncover stories that connect you more deeply to your family’s history and, perhaps, to yourself.
However, deciphering these records isn’t always straightforward. The language of death certificates from decades or even centuries ago often reflects the medical knowledge, cultural norms, and idioms of the time. Terms like “dropsy,” “consumption,” or “brain fever” may leave us scratching our heads, wondering what modern conditions they correspond to. That’s where the International List of Causes of Death (ILCD) and its successor, the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), come into play. These systems were developed to standardize how mortality data is recorded, making it easier to understand and compare across different periods and regions.
This book bridges the gap between these medical classification systems and the practical needs of genealogists. Whether you’re a novice researcher or a seasoned pro, you’ll find guidance here for interpreting the ILCD and ICD codes often found in older death records. These codes, once an enigma, are now valuable tools for understanding the health history of your ancestors and their communities.
Start by diving into the history of mortality classification systems, tracing their evolution from the 19th-century Bertillon Classification to today’s ICD framework. Along the way, you’ll learn how these systems shaped public health practices, improved medial knowledge, and enabled researchers to track global disease trends.
Next, focus on the practical side of genealogy. You’ll discover how to locate death records, decipher the codes and terminology they contain, and navigate the changes in disease names over time. We’ll also explore the cultural and geographic contexts that influenced which classification systems were used in different places and eras.
To make this process even more accessible, the book includes a comprehensive reference section. Here, you’ll find all of the ILCD and ICD revisions, key details about editions, and guidance on accessing these resources online. Also included are real-world case studies to illustrate how genealogists can use these tools to uncover stories hidden within cryptic death records.
Of course, exploring the health histories of our ancestors comes with its own set of ethical considerations. We’ll discuss how to handle sensitive discoveries with care and respect, ensuring that your family narratives honor both the privacy and dignity of those who came before you.
The goal of this book is to empower you to move beyond the basics of genealogy and uncover a richer, more human understanding of your family’s past. By decoding the language of mortality, you’ll not only gain insights into the challenges your ancestors faced but also create a more complete and compassionate picture of their lives.
With the right tools and a little determination, you’ll uncover stories that connect you more deeply to your family’s history and, perhaps, to yourself.
Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2024
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About the author
Thomas MacEntee
60 books64 followersWhat happens when a “tech guy” with a love for history gets laid off during The Great Recession of 2008? You get Thomas MacEntee, a genealogy professional based in the United States who is also a blogger, educator, author, social media connector, online community builder and more.
Thomas was laid off after a 25-year career in the information technology field, so he started his own genealogy-related business called High Definition Genealogy. He also created an online community of over 3,000 family history bloggers known as GeneaBloggers. His most recent endeavor, Hack Genealogy, is an attempt to “re-purpose today’s technology for tomorrow’s genealogy.”
Thomas describes himself as a lifelong learner with a background in a multitude of topics who has finally figured out what he does best: teach, inspire, instigate, and serve as a curator and go-to-guy for concept nurturing and inspiration. Thomas is a big believer in success, and that we all succeed when we help each other find success.
Thomas was laid off after a 25-year career in the information technology field, so he started his own genealogy-related business called High Definition Genealogy. He also created an online community of over 3,000 family history bloggers known as GeneaBloggers. His most recent endeavor, Hack Genealogy, is an attempt to “re-purpose today’s technology for tomorrow’s genealogy.”
Thomas describes himself as a lifelong learner with a background in a multitude of topics who has finally figured out what he does best: teach, inspire, instigate, and serve as a curator and go-to-guy for concept nurturing and inspiration. Thomas is a big believer in success, and that we all succeed when we help each other find success.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
May 6, 2025
I understand why this book is so redundant; Mr MacEntee must adjust his writing for all levels of genealogy skills. For a newbie, this book is very informative and helpful. For someone with more advanced skills, this is a bit of overkill. However, this is an essential addition to any genealogist's toolbox. He explains in detail how medical codes came about and what they tell a genealogist about medical history. Of course, the purpose of knowing what someone died of can be essential genetic information for current generations.
Then, he pivots to the ethics and compassion needed to discuss death statistics that affect family members. Having dealt with this issue, he is spot on with his suggestions. I found this to be an excellent explanation of the changing medical codes and their interpretation.
Then, he pivots to the ethics and compassion needed to discuss death statistics that affect family members. Having dealt with this issue, he is spot on with his suggestions. I found this to be an excellent explanation of the changing medical codes and their interpretation.
Displaying 1 of 1 review