Archaeological Chemistry

Bibliographic Data

ID23397488
AuthorsA M Pollard (0000-0003-3757-4668, University of Oxford), Carl Heron (0000-0002-5206-7464), R D GILLARD
Year2008
Publication date2008-04-22
Open AccessNo
TypeBOOK
VenueArchaeological Chemistry (SOURCE_BOOK)
PublisherThe Royal Society of Chemistry (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1039/9781847558299
OpenAlexW4236251627
Open LibraryOL48619076M
ISBN9781847558299
LanguageEN
Citations received114

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.

Archaeological science · Archaeology · Building materials and conservation · Chemistry · Conservation Techniques and Studies · Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis · History