The Antiquities of South Jutland or Sleswick

A category of small vessels fashioned in samian ware has conventionally been interpreted as representing inkwells. This identification seems valid given their typological characteristics. The type is fairly rare in Roman Britain, as in other western provinces. Nonetheless, it is well known through illustration and is sufficiently frequent to be familiar to those who study the period. Given the likely close form-function relationship of this type, its distribution is assessed in this paper as an archaeological index of the locations of writing and recording in Britannia using ink. Indeed, study of samian inkwells offers a seemingly reliable indicator of such activity. This prospect is almost unique given the rarity of other types of direct and indirect evidence for writing in ink from Roman Britain.

Analysis shows, for the first time, that there is a clear pattern to the occurrence of samian inkwells. Most examples come from sites associated with the Roman military, with a sizeable proportion also recorded from major civil centres; elsewhere they are particularly infrequent. Examination of the spatial occurrence of these finds from within sites reveals a notable pattern. Many come from contexts at or close-by to locations where writing in ink might be expected. This is testimony to the rich potential of the archaeological record of this era to inform upon cultural practices.     

Regulating Biotech Trade: the Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety

The agreement on an international biosafety treaty in January 2000 marks an important achievement in reconciling trade and environmental interests. The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety strengthens the right of importing nations to reject shipments of genetically modified organisms on grounds of environmental safety or risks to human health. Crucially, it acknowledges the precautionary principle within its environmental risk assessment procedure. However, the political compromise that led to the adoption of the Protocol failed to resolve several contentious issues including labelling, liability, and the relationship between the biosafety regime and the international trade order. This article traces the history of biosafety negotiations, analyses the Cartagena Protocol and assesses the future biosafety agenda.