Trace elements in bone/DNA in bone

[Mongoose99@xxxxxxx]

I am a graduate student looking for a detailed procedure to determine the
levels (ratios) of either calcium and strontium or of calcium and barium in
old bones (approximately 500 years old) for research I am conducting. I need
to know what the approximate normal ratios should be and what the best way to
extract, digest and analyze these trace elements.

Also, I am trying to extract DNA from these same old bones. I need to find a
procedure for extracting and analyzing the DNA. I would like to know if it is
best to decalcify the bone first or if it makes a difference if you don't.
The equipment at the university where I am conducting this research is not
high tech and pulverizing the bone may be a problem. Will polymerase chain
reaction (PCR) necessary need to be performed? I imagine it would since there
is a minute amount of DNA present. Please send me ANYTHING you have regarding
either of these topics. It is urgent!

Thank You,
Jim Aierle