Synopses & Reviews
The growth of biomolecular archaeology on all fronts has been dramatic in the twelve years since the first edition was published. The field of archaeology has seen the development of the isotopic study of human bone for the reconstruction of diet, status and mobility. More recently, building on developments in mass spectrometry, a whole new range of organic molecules, including small proteins, has been detected in archaeological contexts. Archaeological Chemistry aims to demonstrate the importance and utility of scientific techniques applied to the study of the past and how the new range of organic molecules has been used to answer questions of major archaeological significance, such as the nature of animal husbandry in the early history of domestication and agriculture. In particular, the role of chemistry is emphasised through a series of case studies, presenting scientific investigation as a challenging field of enquiry rather than a routine application of established procedures. Building on the successful formula of the first edition, this new edition's case studies have been revised, updated and expanded to take account of new perspectives and new data in the intervening decade since the first edition. In addition, two new chapters have been included emphasising the significant increase in molecular and isotopic analysis of organic remains to bring together recent literature about human diets. A special feature of the book is the integration of chemistry and archaeology. At one level, this demonstrates the necessary and relevant role that chemistry plays in the study of the past. At another level, it shows how science and the past combine to enhance our understanding of archaeological materials. The case studies highlight key questions and aim to present the limits of current knowledge but also where research is likely to be focussed in the future. The thematic elements in the book allow the reader to tackle both the science and archaeology of a specific topic in depth. Archaeological Chemistry will prove an essential companion to students in archaeological science and chemistry, field and museum archaeologists and all those involved in conserving human artefacts.
Review
"...an excellent, up-to-date sourcebook and companion guide..."
Review
"An authentic snapshot of current chemical applications in archaeology."
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"I cannot recommend this book too highly..."
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"...An excellent reference resource... this book presents a comprehensive overview of a number of chemical applications within archaeology."
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"Archaeological Chemistry will make a fine collection to your library of reference books on instrumental analytical techniques. Perhaps reading the book will assist in solving an unsolved mystery in archaeology."
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"In any case this book is strongly recommended as an obligatory text for all chemists, who want to understand the role of chemistry, and in particular analytical chemistry, in our past history and present culture."
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"... a comprehensive and current textbook badly needed ..."
Synopsis
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.
Synopsis
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. This book is an essential companion to students in archaeological science and chemistry, field and museum archaeologists and those involved in conserving human artefacts
Synopsis
Archaeological Chemistry aims to demonstrate the importance and utility of scientific techniques applied to the study of the past.
Synopsis
This book enables scientists to tackle the fundamental issues of chemical change in the archaeological materials, in order to advance the study of the past.
Synopsis
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.
About the Author
Professor Mark Pollard holds the Edward Hall Professor of Archaeological Science and Director of the Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art, University of Oxford Professor Mark Pollard's main research interests are the study of archaeological materials , the investigation of biogeochemical processes and numerical applications in archaeology and palaeoclimatic reconstruction. Professor Carl Heron, is Professor of Archaeological Sciences at Bradford University, UK. Professor Carl Heron's main interests Main research interests include molecular archaeology, pottery function and use of history of archaeological science.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: The Development of Archaeological Chemistry; Chapter 2: Analytical Techniques Applied to Archaeology; Chapter 3: Obsidian Characterization in the Eastern Mediterranean; Chapter 4: The Geochemistry of Clays and the Provenance of Ceramics; Chapter 5: The Chemistry, Corrosion and Provenance of Archaeological Glass; Chapter 6: The Chemical Study of Metals - the Medieval and Later Brass Industry in Europe; Chapter 7: The Chemistry and Use of Resinous Substances; Chapter 8: Amino Acid Stereochemistry and the First Americans; Chapter 9: Lead Isotope Geochemistry and the Trade in Metals; Chapter 10: The Chemistry of Human Bone: Diet, Nutrition, Status and Mobility; Chapter 11: The Detection of Small Biomolecules: Dairy Products in the Archaeological Record; Chapter 12: Summary - Whither Archaeological Chemistry?