A fragment of Beethoven's skull has turned up as part of an estate in California. The fragment has been subjected to genetic testing and has been conclusively shown to match the DNA taken from locks of the composer's hair that has been tested previously. The skull showed high levels of lead, as did the hair.

"They discovered high proportions of lead in the fragments," just as there had been in the hair, Kaufmann said.

He and Meredith both said the lead poisoning was almost certainly because of items used at the time rather than foul play. In fact, Kaufmann said, no other toxins, such as arsenic, were found during the testing.

Meredith said he hoped further research might determine how long Beethoven had lead poisoning. He doubts, however, that the lead caused the composer's often troublesome behavior. (Beethoven was known to be antisocial and temperamental.)

"Beethoven was erratic as a little kid," Meredith said.

He and Kaufmann also said Beethoven's deafness was more likely genetic than because of lead. Another small sample of the skull has been set aside for a future test as scientists continue their work toward identifying a gene that might cause deafness.

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