Analysis of ancient metals

Abstract
The study of the chemical composition of ancient materials dates back to the work of the pioneer analyst, Martin Heinrich Klaproth, towards the end of the eighteenth century. From that time onwards thousands of specimens of ancient materials have been analysed, and from the beginning the composition of ancient metals attracted particular attention, because of the inherent interest of chemists in metals and their corrosion, and because of the importance that archaeologists attached to metal artefacts as a source of information about technological developments in ancient cultures. The early analytical researches on metals have been reviewed by Caley (1951, 1964). These were, for the most part, of a rather spasmodic nature and somewhat restricted in scope because of the limitations imposed by the analytical methods available at that time which required relatively large samples. The intensive application of analysis first became possible when precise and sensitive microchemical methods were used, and it has undergone further development with the introduction of the modern ultra-microchemical techniques of analysis that have opened up new possibilities. The application of these modern techniques to the analysis of ancient metals has, however, introduced certain problems that must be taken into consideration, if one wishes to obtain analytical results that are both reliable and meaningful. This is because the analysis of ancient metal objects presents problems that are not encountered in the examination of modern metals and alloys in an industrial or conventional research laboratory. It is therefore appropriate to consider in general terms what are the particular requirements of analytical procedures in a museum laboratory. The factors involved may be conveniently discussed as follows: 1. Type of analysis Here two main categories may be considered. The first may be referred to as systematic analysis, i. e. the analysis of large numbers of metal antiquities of a similar kind in order to obtain analytical results of statistical significance that can be used to provide information about such archaeological questions as sources of ore materials, possible trade routes, significant changes in composition that might be correlated with different types of objects, e. g. in bronze objects, or with changes in technology. The second category is that of specific analysis, i. e. the analysis of single objects or small groups of objects to obtain information that may help to solve specific problems, including questions of authenticity.

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