Why does Maples think that forensic anthropology is an important science?

Maples is one of the first forensic anthropologists to bear the name. While he works as a forensic anthropologist for some time, the Academy of Forensic Anthropology and its certification board is created when he is already practicing. While he has forerunners, the systematic science of forensic anthropology arises almost simultaneously with his early education. Clearly, as one of the second-generation of his field, Maples is interested in preserving it and in defending its merits. In one way, Dead Men Do Tell Tales might be seen as an attempt to vindicate his view.

The main line of argument for the value of forensic psychology is made in three ways. First, forensic anthropology is crucial to solving important historical mysteries. Second, it is central to solving murders and unsolved crimes generally. Third, it is good for its own sake, for the sake of scientific discovery. In support of the first argument, the reader will encounter the power of forensic anthropology in identifying the remains of the Romanovs or showing that President Zachary Taylor was not poisoned by arsenic.

In support of the second point, which is by far the most well-supported argument, Maples details case after case where the unique tools of forensic anthropology are used to solve otherwise unsolvable crimes. For instance, the Meek-Jennings case could only be solved by someone with Maples's skill set. Finally, in support of the third point, Maples shows how discoveries in his lab add to the scientific knowledge of how bones decay or how congenital defects occur. His ability to collect samples and analyze the skeleton of The Elephant Man is a case in point.