Research Catalog

Title

Archaeological chemistry / Zvi Goffer.

Author

Goffer, Zvi.

Publication

Hoboken, N.J. : Wiley-Interscience, c2007.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Description

xxii, 623 p. : ill.; 25 cm.

Summary

"Archaeological Chemistry, Second Edition is about the application of the chemical sciences to the study of ancient man and his material activities. The text of the book centers on the use of chemical methods, but also refers to the contributions of physics, biology, and genetics to archaeological research." "Subjects discussed in the book include the determination of the nature of ancient materials, their provenance and age, the technologies used for the production of man-made materials, and the analysis of ancient human and animal remains (such as bone, dried blood, and coprolites), which yields information on ancient diets, kinship, habitancy, and migratory patterns." "The book is intended primarily for archaeologists, physical anthropologists and students of archaeology and physical anthropology, but will also be of use to conservators, curators, and art historians. Natural scientists reading it will become acquainted with advances in archaeological research which were made possible only by the application of chemical, physical, and biological methods and techniques."--Jacket.

Series Statement

Chemical analysis ; v. 170

Uniform Title

Chemical analysis ; v. 170.

Subject

Archaeological chemistry

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references (p. 529-602) and index.

Processing Action (note)

• committed to retain

Contents

Minerals: rock and stone: pigments, abrasives, and gemstones -- Lithics: flint and obsidian -- Sand: glass, glaze, and enamel -- Secondary rocks: building stone, brick, cement, and mortar -- Ores: metals and alloys -- Sediments and soils -- Clay: pottery and other ceramic materials -- The biosphere: organic and biological substances -- Carbohydrates: wood, gums, and resins -- Lipids: oils, fats, and waxes; soap -- Proteins: skin, leather, and glue -- The nucleic acids: human traits; genetics and evolution -- Fibers: yarn, textiles, and cordage; writing materials -- Dyes and dyeing -- Bioinorganic materials: bone, ivory, and shell; phytoliths -- Some ancient remains: mummies, fossils, and coprolites -- The environment and decay of archaeological materials -- Authentication of antiquities -- Appendixes: I. The chemical elements -- II. Chronometric dating methods: selection criteria -- III. Symbols, constants, units, and equivalencies.

ISBN

• 0471252883 (cloth)
• 9780471252887 (cloth)

LCCN

^^2005028992

OCLC

• 62152758
• SCSB-9979669

Owning Institutions

Harvard Library