In using the book it will be noticed that for the proper understanding of the first portion, which deals with the causes of destruction, a certain amount of chemical knowledge is assumed. In the second portion, however, the methods of preservation are treated from a more elementary standpoint, and the simple apparatus and manipulations required are so described that the treatment may be readily carried out by those who are unfamiliar with chemical methods.
In conclusion, I take this opportunity of expressing my thanks to all those who have given their help, and especially to Dr Otto Olshausen for his continued interest in the work of the Museum Laboratory and in the production of this handbook. Especially am I indebted to his extensive knowledge of anthropological literature for many references which would otherwise have escaped my notice.
TRANSLATORS’ PREFACE.
Dr Rathgen has, in his preface, stated the aim of this handbook, and it is with a desire to further this aim that we have prepared an English translation.
Claiming but limited experience in this field of research we have only added such explanatory notes as seem in some way to bear upon the subject or likely to be useful in a handbook of this kind (viz. the method of taking squeezes, Appendix A, and a few footnotes which are signed and enclosed in square brackets). We take this opportunity of thanking Dr Rathgen for his interest in our undertaking, for his kindness in supplying much additional matter which did not appear in the German edition, and also for the loan of the blocks for Figs. [22] and [23]. Figs. [7], [9]-[12], [30]-[33], and [37], are from photographs of objects treated by ourselves.
Our thanks are especially due to Dr W. A. Caspari, of the National Physical Laboratory, for his invaluable help in the revision of the translation, and for his advice and suggestions in reference to the more technical aspect of the work.
York,
December 1904.
CONTENTS.
| PAGE | |
| Literature | [xiii] |
| Part I. | |
| The changes undergone by antiquities in earth and in air | [1] |
| Limestone and clay | [2] |
| Iron | [7] |
| Bronze and copper | [15] |
| Silver | [49] |
| Lead | [53] |
| Tin | [53] |
| Gold | [53] |
| Glass | [54] |
| Organic substances | [54] |
| Part II. | |
| The preservation of antiquities | [56] |
| i. Preservation of objects composed of inorganic substances | |
| a. Limestone | [56] |
| b. Marble and alabaster | [74] |
| c. Earthenware | [74] |
| d. Slightly baked or unbaked clay | [81] |
| e. Fayence | [86] |
| f. Stucco and Nile-mud | [87] |
| g. Sandstone and granite | [87] |
| Appendix: Cement for earthenware. Restorations | [87] |
| h. Iron | [89] |
| 1. Methods of preserving objects of iron without removal of the rust | [89] |
| 2. Preservation by steeping and subsequent impregnation | [92] |
| 3. Preservation by removal of the rust | [102] |
| 4. Preservation of medieval iron objects | [119] |
| i. Bronze and copper | [120] |
| A. Methods of impregnation | [122] |
| B. Preservation by reduction | [125] |
| Reduction of oxidized copper coins | [140] |
| Cleaning copper coins with melted lead | [143] |
| C. Preservation by exclusion of air | [144] |
| Appendix: Method of bringing out worn lettering upon coins | [146] |
| j. Silver | [148] |
| k. Lead and tin | [149] |
| l. Gold | [150] |
| m. Glass and enamel | [151] |
| ii. Preservation of organic substances. | |
| n. Bones, horns, ivory | [151] |
| o. Leather | [152] |
| p. Textile fabrics, hair | [153] |
| q. Feathers | [154] |
| r. Papyrus | [154] |
| s. Wood | [156] |
| 1. Dry preservation | [156] |
| 2. Preservation in liquids | [159] |
| Protection against wood-worms, etc. | [160] |
| Preservation and cleaning of coloured objects of wood | [161] |
| t. Amber | [162] |
| Care of antiquities after preservative treatment | [162] |
| Concluding remarks | [164] |
| Appendix A. Method of taking squeezes of inscriptions | [166] |
| Appendix B. Zapon | [168] |
| Index | [171] |