Archaeological Chemistry - Chemical Analysis: A Monographs on Analytical Chemistry and Its Applications 2nd Edition by Zvi Goffer Hardcover

Book Synopsis

The chemical study of archaeological materials

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.

New developments in analytical chemistry and in related disciplines, which have contributed to archaeological research since the first edition of the book was published, are dealt with in this edition, which also includes:
*

Updated information on the study of the nature, age, and provenance of ancient materials
*

New sections on organic, biological and genetic studies
*

Glossary
*

Extensive bibliography


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.

From the Back Cover

The chemical study of archaeological materials

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.

New developments in analytical chemistry and in related disciplines, which have contributed to archaeological research since the first edition of the book was published, are dealt with in this edition, which also includes:

• Updated information on the study of the nature, age, and provenance of ancient materials

• New sections on organic, biological and genetic studies

• Glossary

• Extensive bibliography

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.

Review Quotes

"An excellent book for the archaeologist who wants to know about scientific applications." (Chemistry and Industry, October 2008)

About the Author

Zvi Goffer, who received his B.sc. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of London, is a research scientist now retired from the Soreq Nuclear Research Center, Israel. He lectured on Archaeometry at Tel Aviv and Beer Sheba Universities and at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, and was a visiting scientist with the Scientific Archaeology groups at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts, Harvard University, and the Weizmann Institute of Science.