Analytical Chemistry in Archaeology

by A. M. Pollard, C. M Batt, B. Stern, S. M. M. Young

Overview

This book is an introductory manual that explains the basic concepts of chemistry behind scientific analytical techniques and that reviews their application to archaeology. It explains key terminology, outlines the procedures to be followed in order to produce good data, and describes the function of the basic instrumentation required to carry out those procedures. The manual contains chapters on the basic chemistry and physics necessary to understand the techniques used in analytical chemistry, with more detailed chapters on Atomic Absorption, Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectroscopy, Neutron Activation Analysis, X-ray Flourescence, Electron Microscopy, Infra-red and Raman Spectroscopy, and Mass Spectrometry. Each chapter describes the operation of the instruments, some hints on the practicalities, and a review of the application of the technique to archaeology, including some case studies. With guides to further reading on the topic, it is an essential tool for practitioners, researchers and advanced students alike.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521652094
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	01/18/2007
Series:	Cambridge Manuals in Archaeology
Pages:	420
Product dimensions:	6.69(w) x 9.61(h) x 0.94(d)

About the Author

Mark Pollard is Edward Hall Professor of Archaeological Science, Research Laboratory for Archaeology, University of Oxford.

Cathy Batt is Senior Lecturer in Archaeological Sciences, University of Bradford.

Ben Stern is Lecturer in Archaeological Sciences, University of Bradford.

Suzanne M. M. Young is NASA Researcher and Lecturer in Chemistry at Tufts University.

Table of Contents

Part I. The Role of Analytical Chemistry in Archaeology: 1. Archaeology and analytical chemistry; 2. An introduction to analytical chemistry; Part II. The Application of Analytical Chemistry to Archaeology: 3. Elemental analysis by absorption and emission spectroscopies; 4. Molecular analysis by absorption and Raman spectroscopy; 5. X-ray techniques and electron beam microanalysis; 6. Neutron activation analysis; 7. Chromatography; 8. Mass spectrometry; 9. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS); Part III. Some Basic Chemistry for Archaeologists: 10. Atoms, isotopes, electron orbitals and the periodic table; 11. Valency, bonding and molecules; 12. The electromagnetic spectrum; 13. Practical issues in analytical chemistry.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

' … aimed at the non-specialist … provides enough information to allow readers to find their own depth within the subject … a valuable resource …' Journal of Medieval Archaeology

Editorial Reviews

' … aimed at the non-specialist … provides enough information to allow readers to find their own depth within the subject … a valuable resource …' Journal of Medieval Archaeology

From the Publisher