The Archaeometry Laboratory at the Missouri University Reasearch Reactor

库克博士将继续经营一个考古中心， 密苏里州大学，并采用 仪器中子活化分析（INAA）分析 考古材料的基本组成。 INAA是一个 多元素技术，允许大，小和跟踪 同时测定材料的元素， 相当高的准确度和精确度。 样本不会被销毁 通过INAA，因此，可以重复分析，或 不同的分析技术可以应用于相同的 sample. 对于有价值的考古物品，这是一个 重要的考虑。 特别令人感兴趣的是， 陶瓷、石器、金属和骨头的分析。 库克博士 设立了一个国家审查委员会， 提交样品进行分析的重要性。 通过对考古材料的元素分析， 一些重要的问题都可以得到解决。 INAA 提供了一个分类工具，因为它允许类似的材料 组合在一起。 在某些情况下，它还 允许人工制品的来源，因此可以提供 关于采购做法、贸易路线和 政治边界。 它还可以提高对 古代技术和（通过分析骨骼遗骸） 深入了解史前的饮食和营养。 这一项目尤为重要，因为 实验室，多年来一直提供这项服务， 考古学家们已经将他们的研究重点转移到了其他地方。 的 密苏里州中心大学填补了一个重要的空白，使 在全国范围内提供服务。

Dr. Glascock will continue to operate an archaeometric center at the University of Missouri and employ the technique of instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) to analyze the elemental composition of archaeological materials. INAA is a multi-elemental technique which allows the major, minor and trace elements of a material to be determined simultaneously and with considerable accuracy and precision. A sample is not destroyed by INAA and, as a result, the analysis can be repeated or different analytical techniques can be applied to the same sample. For valuable archaeological objects, this is an important consideration. Of particular interest are potential analyses of ceramics, lithics, metal and bone. Dr. Glascock has established a national review committee to evaluate the importance of samples submitted for analysis. Through elemental analysis of archaeological materials, a number of significant kinds of questions can be addressed. INAA provides a taxonomic tool because it allows materials of similar composition to be grouped together. In some instances, it also permits the proveniencing of artifacts and thus may provide information about procurement practices, routes of trade and political boundaries. It may also improve understanding of ancient technologies and (through analysis of skeletal remains) give insight into prehistoric diet and nutrition. This project is particularly important because the two laboratories, which for many years have provided this service to archaeologists, have shifted their foci elsewhere. The University of Missouri center fills an important gap and makes its services available on a nationwide basis.