Archaeological chemistry, analytical methods

The identification of these conditions is one of the primary tasks of archaeometry, a discipline in which the methods of the natural sciences are used to interpret archaeological or conservation science data. In a multidisciplinary field such as archaeometry, archaeological chemistry occupies a central role because its various branches include analytical, computational, and physical chemistry, as well as chemical physics (Figure 1). 

Domenech, A., Domenech, M.T., Gimeno, J.V., and Bosch, R 2006a. H-point standard addition method applied to solid state stripping voltammetry. Application to the determination of lead and tin in archaeological glazes. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry 385, 1552-1561. 

At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, in the archaeological chemistry class, students nndertake a short analytical project, usually lasting for 3 of 4 weeks, involving relatively few samples, which can investigate some question of archaeological interest. An example of such a project was the study done by Susan Reslewic to look for a simple, nondestructive method for determining artifact provenience. 

A wide range of other methods from analytical chemistry have been applied to archaeological samples, but space precludes detailed descriptions of them all. Some, such as XPS, have only been employed sporadically because of the specialized nature of the technique. Others are increasing in application as their archaeological potential is explored. One class of methods which has had some application are resonance techniques (e.g., Ewing, 1985 Chapter 13). These are based on another aspect of the interaction between matter and electromagnetic... 

Op de Beeck J (1986a) Art and archaeology. In Hoste J, general author. In Elving PJ, Krivan V and Kolthoff IM, eds. Treatise on analytical chemistry. Part I (Theory and practice). Second edition. Vol 14, section K (Nuclear activation and radioisotopic methods of analysis). Chapters, Applications of nuclear activation analysis, pp. 729-738. John Wiley Sons, New York. 

---