Physical studies of archaeological materials

Abstract

The application of physics to archaeology has flourished in recent years to such an extent as to warrant a distinctive name-archaeometry. The contribution of physics to the study of archaeological materials is reviewed. Particular attention is given to investigations concerned with the manufacture and provenance of those materials that are most actively being examined. Accounts of techniques and case histories are presented. The review concludes by considering the application of physical principles to the conservation of antiquities.