Archaeology overview

Schreiner, M., B. Fruhmann, D. Jembrih-Simburger, and R. Linke (2004), X-rays in art and archaeology An overview, Powder Diffraction 19(1), 3-11. 

To summarise, a fractionation step allows the isolation of the compounds of interest from the other molecular constituents, particularly from the fatty acids that are well-ionised. To compensate for the low ionisation yield of some compounds, such as TAGs, the solutions may be doped with a cation. Samples are then directly infused into the ion electrospray source of the mass spectrometer. A first spectrum provides an overview of the main molecular compounds present in the solution based on the peaks related to molecular cations. The MS/MS experiment is then performed to elucidate the structure of each high molecular compound. Table 4.2 shows the different methods of sample preparation and analysis of nonvolatile compounds as esters and TAGs from reference beeswax, animal fats and archaeological samples. 

This chapter gives an overview of GC/MS analytical procedures used for lipid determination, and a summary of the complex issue of lipid chromatographic data interpretation in paintings and archaeological objects. Some examples and case studies are also included. 

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry is now such an important technique in archaeology, as elsewhere, that we devote a whole chapter to it. There are now a number of different ICP MS modes of operation (solution analysis, laser ablation, multicollector, high resolution) this chapter provides a general overview. Further description of the instrumentation for ICP MS may be found in Harris (1997) and Montaser (1998). Some general applications of solution ICP MS are discussed by Date and Gray (1989), Platzner (1997), and Kennett et al. (2001). 

The book has been structured into roughly three parts. First (Chap. 1), an overview of analytical methods applied in the study of cultural goods is presented to situate electrochemical methods in their analytical context. The second part contains voltammetric methods devoted to the identification (Chap. 2), speciation (Chap. 3), and quantitation (Chap. 4) of microsample components from works of art and/or cultural and archaeological pieces. The third part of the book presents selected examples of the deterioration of metal artifacts, outlining aspects peculiar to the cultural heritage conservation field (Chap. 5), and describes hisforic and current issues regarding electrochemical techniques used in restoration treatments and preventive conservation (Chap. 6). 

This chapter is an overview of the wide variety of archaeological studies conducted by chemists. From the earliest stone artifacts to the artistic manuscripts and textiles of the more recent past, the studies presented in this volume show the wide range of materials that have been studied by chemical techniques. The field keeps expanding as chemists help provide information valuable in the interpretation of archaeological sites and artifacts. Besides helping to detect fraudulent artifacts and artistic objects in museum collections, chemists have studied the physicochemical deterioration processes that destroy the monuments and objects of the past. Thus, the role of chemists is more than just discovery of the past it includes investigation that may help preserve the artifacts for future generations to enjoy and study. 

As compositional analysis has become more routine in archaeological investigations, deficiencies in the numerical techniques used for data reduction and summary have become more apparent. A brief overview of techniques commonly used in the analysis of compositional data is presented as well as an example illustrating how data modeling (as opposed to data summary) can facilitate both the recognition of relevant data structure and inferences from data structure to underlying natural and cultural processes. 

The primary objective of this overview was to show that archaeological chemistry is an interdisciplinary endeavor—a mediator among scientific fields and between the exact sciences and the humanities. Archaeological chemists, therefore, must be flexible, versatile, and well versed in several areas of chemistry. Archaeological chemistry is a relatively new field with a bright future that should challenge the imagination of its practitioners. 

This chapter is intended to provide an overview of the different kinds of analyses that aie being done in archaeological chemistry. The major categories we describe here include magnification, elemental analysis, isotopic analysis, organic analysis, and mineral and compound analysis. We discuss these methods separately from instruments because different instruments can do different kinds of analyses. 

Vandenabeele, P., and L. Moens. 2005. Overview Raman spectroscopy of pigments and dyes. In Raman Spectroscopy in Archaeology and Art History, G. M. Edwards Howell, and John M. Chalmers (eds.), pp. 71-83. London Royal Society of Chemistry. 

Figure 8 Archaeological glass, medieval, with enamel-like surface layer, an overview...

Complex degradation processes generally occur to some degree, even in controlled environments. In the case of wood, such processes terminate in reversion to topsoil in the natural environment. The conservation of archaeological wood might best be defined as any effort directed toward the retention of desirable intrinsic characteristics. In other words, conservation attempts to slow down or reverse the process that turns a fauteuil into fertilizer. Consolidation is one of a number of treatments available to conservation. Before approaching the technical aspects of consolidation, it is useful to have an overview of the process and to relate its role to the field of conservation. 

Archaeological Applications Clinical Applications Food Applications. Thin-Layer Chromatography Overview. 

Ion Traps Multidimensional Archaeological Applications Clinical Applications Environmental Applications Food Applications Forensic Applications Peptides and Proteins. Proteins Overview. Proteomics. 

This review provides an up-to-date overview of the application of analytical procedures based on MS for the characterization of organic natural materials in archaeological and historical objects. Applications that feature the use of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), Py-GC/MS, high performance liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS), and direct MS analysis such as matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS), electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and direct exposure mass spectrometry (DE-MS) are sununarized to highlight the different information provided by each of the various analytical approaches. Case studies and examples are also presented and include a description of the molecular markers and of the molecular profiles that are used to identify the original materials. 

Cardell, Carolina, Isabel Guerra, and Antonio S -chez-Navas. SEM-EDX at the Service of Archaeology to Unravel Historical Technology. Microscopy Today 17, no. 14 (August, 2009) 28-33. An overview of the use of scanning electron microscopy... 

Our purpose in diis paper is to provide an overview of ICP-MS and present case stupes demonstrating how LA-ICP-MS can be used to characterize obsidian, chert, ceramic glazes, and pigments. It is our hope that the research we discuss herein will inspire future archaeological projects in which data obtained using LA-ICP-MS assists archaeologists in understanding past cultural phenomenon. 

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