Physical Techniques in the Study of Art, Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

The first of its kind, this series is devoted to the use of physical principles in the study and scientific conservation of objects with cultural heritage significance. It begins with a review of the modern museum, which discusses new techniques employed in the conservation of museum artifacts such as X-ray tomography and other techniques used to study Egyptian mummies, bones and mineralization of bones in the archaeological context, and the degradation of parchment. All of these topics and techniques are essential for the preservation of our history. This includes finding ways to preserve parchment documents and letters, which much of our written heritage is documented on, so that it can be used and understood for generations to come.

This book is a must have for any museum as well as any university that teaches or employs the techniques discussed.

Written in a style that is readily understandable by conservation scientists, archaeologists, museum curators, and studentsProvides an introduction to the advanced fields of synchrotron radiation science, neutron science, and computed tomographyOutstanding review of the use of modern technology to study museum and archaeological artifactsOffers solutions through advanced scientific techniques to a wide range of problems facing museum staff

Preface
Chapter 1. The Modern Museum (J.L. Boutaine)
Chapter 2. X-Ray and Neutron Digital Radiography and Computed Tomography (F. Casali)
Chapter 3. Investigation of Diagenetic and Postmortem Bone Mineral Change by Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering (J.C. Hiller and T.J. Wess)
Chapter 4. The Use of X-Ray Scattering to Analyse Parchment Structure and Degradation (C.J. Kennedy and T.J. Wess)
Chapter 5. Egyptian Eye Cosmetics (`kohls'): Past and Present (A.D. Hardy, R.I. Walton, R. Vaishnav, K.A. Myers, M.R. Power and D. Pirrie)