Phosphate Analysis of Anthropic Soils

Abstract

The use of phosphate analysis in archaeology is possible because past human occupation and activities increased the amount of soil phosphorus in the areas occupied. The accumulated phosphorus in archaeological deposits tends to remain constant through time and is measurable through soil sampling and chemical analysis, thereby providing archaeology with a valuable tool, applicable to a wide variety of research situations. Phosphate analysis is especially useful in surveying large areas to locate and delimit sites.     

A survey of Australia

Venturino G. Venturini (ed.), Australia—a survey (Schriften des Instituts für Asienkunde in Hamburg, Vol. 27), Otto Harrassowitz, Wiesbaden 1970, pp. xi + 397.     

A botanical survey of Scotland

Gauged river runoff records extend only over limited timespans, mostly commencing post‐1940. Historical sources can provide additional material to assist in extending the hydrological record into the nineteenth century and earlier. Such sources vary, however, in the nature of the detail, in their reliability and in their potential use in hydrological reconstruction. This paper outlines the main categories of sources available, subdivided into those which have been authenticated and those of variable reliability.     

White Encrustation Produced from Deer Antler Phosphate on Prehistoric Ceramics from Podunavlje

The composition and structure of the white pigments used in the encrustation paste on prehistoric ceramics is analysed and described. Encrustations, pigments and their use were studied chronologically, starting with their first appearance during the early Kostolac culture (3500–3000 bc , Copper Age), their very extensive use in the Vu?edol culture (3000–2500 bc , Copper Age) and their final disappearance with the Pannonian complex of Encrusted Pottery (2000–1500 bc , Bronze Age). Most of the Kostolac and Vu?edol culture material is from the Vu?edol and Vinkovci Hotel localities. The Pannonian culture material is from the Grabrovac (Ðakovo) locality. The encrustations were analysed by deep field optical microscopy, polarization microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with EDS, and XRD. Our investigation showed that from the very beginning to the end of the use of the encrustation technique in this area and by these cultures, the composition of the white paste was quite unique. The base material is produced by burning and powdering of deer antler. Crushed freshwater clam shells (Unio sp.) were a common addition to the phosphate paste.     

X-ray fluorescence survey of tikal ceramics

X-ray fluorescence measurements of Ca, Fe, Rb, Sr, Y and Zr were made on 362 ceramic sherds excavated from the lowland Maya centre at Tikal, Guatemala. Twelve sample categories include unslipped, polychrome and red slipped ceramics from three cultural periods, the Manik, Imix and Eznab. Also represented are Manik black, Ik polychrome and Imix Tinaja pink. Results of analyses show two prevalent paste compositions, a calcite-tempered type characteristic of unslipped ceramics and a calcium- poor, rubidium-rich type typical of Late Classic slipped wares. Within these broad types, we observe strong overlap in the compositional data among the different ceramic categories. However, despite the similarities, there are measurable differences in the scatter (or variabilities) of these data and in their degrees of overlap. In general, the variabilities observed in the ceramic composition correlate with the population of the site and the expected number of production centres.     

Progress and pitfalls in survey methodology

William M. O'Barr, David H. Spain, and Mark A. Tessler, eds. Survey Research in Africa: Its Applications and Limits. Evanston, Ill.: Northwestern University Press, 1973. x + 349 pp. Illustrations, tables, references, bibliography, and index. $15.00 (doth), $4.95 (paper).     

学生教育面面观

班级管理是一门艺术,它实际表现为对人的管理。学生形形色色,性格迥异,如何与学生融洽相处,如何有效地管理班级,这是每一个班主任都积极研究探索的问题。笔者通过自己的工作实践,结合教育案例,总结出班主任在日常管理过程中应该多和学生沟通,双方相互尊重并取得信任,只有这样才能建立良好的师生关系,才能真正有效地实施班级管理。