CHARACTERIZATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND IN SITU SCOTTISH WINDOW GLASS

Scottish window glass from both archaeological sites and historic buildings was examined using portable X‐ray fluorescence (pXRF) and scanning electron microscopy – energy‐dispersive X‐ray micro‐analysis (SEM–EDX). The elemental composition of the glass provides information regarding the materials used and, subsequently, an approximate range of dates of manufacture. pXRF is shown to be more vulnerable than SEM–EDX to the effects of surface corrosion and matrix effects in archaeological samples. The study showed that the production of window glass in Scotland from the 17th century onwards appears to closely parallel that in England. It also demonstrated the potential of pXRF for in situ studies of window glass in historic buildings. pXRF was used to assess two Scottish buildings; one in state care and one in private ownership. The building in state care, the Abbot's House at Arbroath Abbey, showed a uniform glass type, suggesting that the building was re‐glazed completely at some point during the late 19th or early 20th century. The building in private ownership, Traquair House, had a range of glass types and ages, demonstrating a different maintenance and repair regime. This type of data can be useful in understanding historic buildings in the future, particularly if re‐glazing is being considered.     

6月,去山海关来一场“大樱桃节”的旅行

樱桃是迎着春雨丝儿长大的果,样儿水灵,味儿可人,有"春果第一枝"的美称。山海关不仅长城出名,还是举世闻名的中国樱桃之乡。6月,谁都能吃到肥硕的樱桃;但想过一个地道的樱桃节,可得找点时间,去趟山海关。     

PROVENANCE OF THE SANDSTONE USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE KHMER MONUMENTS IN THAILAND

We investigated the sandstone used in the construction of the Khmer monuments situated upon and around the Khorat Plateau in north‐east Thailand in order to clarify the provenance. The sandstones of the 22 investigated Khmer monuments can be classified into three groups. The sandstone of Group 1 is lithic and is derived mainly from the Khok Kruat Formation. This group includes the sandstone used at Phimai, Phnom Wan, Muang Khaek etc. The sandstone of Group 2 is siliceous and can be subdivided into three further groups. The sandstone of Group 2 is considered to have been derived from the Phu Phan, Phra Wihan or Sao Khua Formations. The sandstone used at Muang Tam, Phnom Rung, Sdok Kok Thom, Preah Vihear (Khao Phra Wihan), Narai Jaeng Waeng etc. belongs to Group 2. The sandstone of Group 3 is feldspathic and is correlated with the grey to yellowish‐brown sandstone that is commonly used in the Angkor monuments in Cambodia. This sandstone is used at Wat Phu and Hong Nang Sida in Laos. The above results reveal that the choice of sandstone used for the Khmer monuments, including the Angkor monuments, was dictated by the surrounding geology.