The Archaeometry Laboratory at the Missouri University Reasearch Reactor

格拉斯科克博士将继续在密苏里大学运营一个考古测量中心，并使用仪器中子活化分析(INAA)技术来分析考古材料的元素组成。中子活化分析是一种多元素分析技术，可同时测定一种物质中的主要、次要和痕量元素，并具有相当高的准确度和精密度。样品不会被INAA破坏，因此，可以重复分析，或者可以对同一样品应用不同的分析技术。对于有价值的考古文物，这是一个重要的考虑因素。尤其令人感兴趣的是对陶瓷、石材、金属和骨骼的潜在分析。格拉斯考克博士已经成立了一个全国审查委员会，以评估提交进行分析的样本的重要性。通过对考古材料的元素分析，可以解决一些重要的问题。INAA提供了一个分类工具，因为它允许将成分相似的材料归类在一起。在某些情况下，它还允许证明文物，从而可以提供有关采购做法、贸易路线和政治边界的信息。它还可能提高对古代技术的理解，并(通过对骨骼遗骸的分析)深入了解史前饮食和营养。这个项目特别重要，因为多年来一直为考古学家提供这项服务的两个实验室已经将重点转移到了其他地方。密苏里大学中心填补了一个重要的空白，并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.