Archaeometry: An Introduction to Physical Methods in Archaeology and the History of Art - Softcover

Leute, Ulrich

Softcover

ISBN 10: 3527266313 ISBN 13: 9783527266319

Publisher: Wiley VCH, 1987

Synopsis

Cooperation between scientific and historic disciplines is not as close as it could be. There seems to be a lack of mutual understanding: too little is known about the potentials of physics and chemistry on the one side, and the needs and problems of archaeologists or historians on the other. This book was written to bridge the gap. It shows in a scientifically precise, but still palatable and often even amusing way that physics in particular has contributed substantially to the prospection, dating, characterization and authentication of archaeological finds and pieces of art. Thus, the book helps archaeologists and historians to recognize the potential of science for their purposes, and to gain the knowledge required for the critical evaluation of data provided by scientific methods. Physicists and physico–chemists will learn how to apply ′their′ methods in the historic disciplines.

About this title

Synopsis

This textbook surveys the physical and chemical techniques that can be used in archaeology and art history. Designed for both students of history and science, it presents the basic scientific background needed at the beginning of each subject, but avoids annoying the scientifically skilled reader with over-simplified arguments. The use of technical terms and professional language has been kept to a minimum on both sides. The book describes the physical idea behind each method and attempts to convey an impression of the variety of applications. Examples have been taken mostly from journals general to both history and science with some from highly specialized journals.

Edition details

• Publisher: Wiley VCH
• Publication date: 1987
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3527266313
• ISBN 13: 9783527266319
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 187