In their preface to this updated edition of the 1995 work, Pollard (Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art, University of Oxford, UK) and Heron (archaeological sciences, University of Bradford, UK) note that, due to debates as to the meaning of results, archaeologists are under utilizing the information available to them through chemical and biochemical testing of artifacts. They hope to rectify this by outlining new, more accurate technology and what it may reveal. The techniques used are explained in both scientific and lay terms, with examples of specific cases, such as analyses of medieval window glass that give correlations between glass from different sources and which can be used in dating. Chapters cover clay, metal, obsidian, resin, dairy products, bones and teeth. The authors conclude with a summary suggesting that archaeologists take a closer look at the developments in chemistry and that the scientists recognize that their results are only another tool in among many used to form archaeological conclusions. Distributed in the US by Springer-Verlag. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
The application of chemistry within archaeology is an important and fascinating area. It allows the archaeologist to answer such questions as "what is this artefact made of?", "where did it come from?" and "how has it been changed through burial in the ground?", providing pointers to the earliest history of mankind. Archaeological Chemistry begins with a brief description of the goals and history of archaeological science, and the place of chemistry within it. It sets out the most widely used analytical techniques in archaeology and compares them in the light of relevant applications. The book includes an analysis of several specific archaeological investigations in which chemistry has been employed in tracing the origins of or in preserving artefacts. The choice of these investigations conforms to themes based on analytical techniques, and includes chapters on obsidian, ceramics, glass, metals and resins. Finally, it suggests a future role for chemical and biochemical applications in archaeology. Archaeological Chemistry enables scientists to tackle the fundamental issues of chemical change in the archaeological materials, in order to advance the study of the past. It will prove an essential companion to students in archaeological science and chemistry, field and museum archaeologists, and all those involved in conserving human artefacts.
This book enables scientists to tackle the fundamental issues of chemical change in the archaeological materials, in order to advance the study of the past.
