Analytical Chemistry in Archaeology
Analytical Chemistry in Archaeology
C. M Batt, University of Bradford
B. Stern, University of Bradford
S. M. M. Young, Tufts University, Massachusetts
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.
- Introduction to core scientific concepts behind archaeological analytical techniques
- Explains key terminology and sets out procedural guidelines for producing data
- Written in a style accessible to those unfamiliar with scientific language
Reviews & endorsements
' … 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
Product details
January 2007Paperback
9780521655729
420 pages
245 × 176 × 26 mm
0.81kg
13 tables
Available
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.
