Conversation science

Scientific methods and cultural heritage: an introduction to the application of materials science to archaeometry and conservation science

Gilberto Artioli

Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press 2010 |368pp |?65 (HB)

ISBN 9780199548262

Reviewed by Mark Pollard

The past is a big place, and its physical remains are being added to on a daily basis. The book covers ’traditional’ archaeological materials such as metals, glasses and lithics, but also addresses newer materials such as photographs. On two levels, it is sometimes an uneasy juxtaposition of two halves which need to be balanced.

Firstly, it introduces scientific concepts to a primarily non-scientific audience, followed by materials-based case studies showing how science is essential to increase our knowledge of these materials. The box structure employed is certainly a useful device, allowing timid users to pick out well focused sections with a good reading list.

The second juxtaposition has the aim of appealing to both archaeological and conservation scientists. Although they share the same tool box, their motivations are different - archaeologists are interested ultimately in human behaviour, whereas conservation scientists are interested in material properties. Thus, the dating section includes an essay on artificial ageing which, although excellent, does not fit there.

This dichotomy is also reflected in the enthusiasm for ’big science’ - synchrotrons, neutron sources, etc, which are best suited to solving specific materials science questions rather than doing the large numbers of analyses often required in archaeology. The book is strong on describing these large-scale techniques as well as some of the more advanced instrumental techniques, all of which are powerful and not widely discussed in the heritage science literature. The use of portable analytical devices ’in the field’ is treated somewhat scantily and (rightly) with caution, but is of rapidly growing interest.

It also has excellent sections on less common materials, such as gems and amber. It is well referenced, and will undoubtedly be a great stimulus to all interested in the material remains of the past.

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