“Calculations and Palpations” is a free textbook for use by introductory Biological Anthropology Laboratory professors and students in all non-commercial contexts (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0).

31 DECEMBER 2025 UPDATE: After teaching with “C&P 1.0” for one semester, a few copyright permissions have come through, and a few typos have been found. Just in time for Spring 2026, I’ve uploaded a new and improved edition: version 1.1! Please download all 328 pages using the link to the right (for free!)—>

n.b.: There remain several websites/sources omitted from versions 1.0 and 1.1 (mostly primate behavior and hominin resources) that I hope to include in a “version 1.2” as soon as the appropriate copyright permissions come through (likely Summer 2026).

“Calculations and Palpations” is unique among existing available Bio Anth Lab OER texts. “C&P” stands out in that it was the first OER text to offer original comprehensive laboratory exercises (and linked topical OER background readings) on the appendicular and axial skeleton geared specifically toward the introductory Bio Anth Lab student. In addition, each chapter of “C&P” begins with a suggested list of lab materials, making lab set-up easy.

Get in touch! Email Lauren at CalculationsAndPalpations (at) g mail (dot) c om with questions / comments / constructive feedback.