Archaeological Chemistry (RSC Paperbacks) [Hardcover]

Mark A. Pollard (Author), Carl Heron (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0854042628 | ISBN-13: 978-0854042623 | Publication Date: April 22, 2008 | Edition: 2nd

The second edition of this popular title Archaeological Chemistry builds on the successful formula of the first edition. The existing case studies have been expanded to take account of new perspectives and new data in the intervening decade since the 1st edition was published. In addition, two new chapters emphasise the significant increase in molecular and isotopic analysis of organic remains. The two new chapters (stable isotopes and molecules and milk) bring together recent literature about ancient human diets.

Archaeological Chemistry 2nd edition aims to demonstrate the importance and utility of scientific techniques applied to the study of the past. In particular, the role of chemistry is emphasised through a series of case studies. The authors present the scientific investigation as a challenging field of enquiry rather than a routine application of established procedures.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Chemistry looks back

Archaeological chemistry

A. Mark Pollard and Carl Heron
RSC Publishing, Cambridge, UK, 2008, 437pp., (HB) ISBN 978-0-85404-262-3

 

Reviewed by Howell G M Edwards

Mark Pollard and Carl Heron have set out to produce a text that will bring together an interdisciplinary readership in the fields of chemical conservation, restoration, archaeological excavation, historical provenancing, and chemical analysis. It is perhaps the latter area that will appeal most to chemists, but it must be appreciated that the application of chemical analytical procedures to artefacts and archaeological materials has several unique restraints which demand, in particular, minimal sampling, or preferably non-invasive and non-destructive analysis. These pose major challenges for analytical chemists due to the special nature of the specimens presented.

One of the first chemists to analyze ancient pigments was Sir Humphry Davy, who published his results from the analysis of wall paintings from Pompeii in the Proceedings of the Royal Society  in 1815; this paper stands as the first example of the application of chemical analysis to ancient art and archaeology. Even then, Davy appreciated the fact that his analyses completely destroyed the valuable specimens presented to him. In the 1920s, a seminal study of English porcelains by Eccles and Rackham produced some very important analytical information but again at the expense of the sacrifice of whole items of chinaware, such as plates, cups and saucers. These analytical protocols would just not be acceptable today.

Many of these aspects are addressed in this book and it will provide a fascinating introduction to experienced analytical chemists interested in applications of their techniques in new areas. It will also be a source book for experienced archaeologists and conservators who are interested in information about the use of ancient materials and their degradation in the depositional environment using modern analytical techniques. This book is also highly recommended for students across a range of chemistry and archaeological science degree courses.

Chemistry World, 2009, 6(5), p.p.66

Book Description

This second edition of the popular title Archaeological Chemistry builds on the successful formula of the first. The existing case studies and chapters have been revised, expanded and updated to take account of new perspectives and data, and new chapters emphasise the significant increase in molecular and isotopic analysis of organic remains. The thematic elements in this book allow the reader to tackle both the science and archaeology of a specific topic in depth and 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.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 437 pages
• Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry; 2nd edition (April 22, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0854042628
• ISBN-13: 978-0854042623
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,081,776 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.