J Archaeol Sci 6

Independence between attributes on artefacts with two equivalent loci has ordinarily been tested only when the loci can be differentiated from each other, say as left or right side or as distal or proximal end. If such an identification does not exist, is uncertain or is irrelevant, then a test of independence requires a special statistical procedure. Such a procedure is given here. Applications are illustrated for core-platforms, geometric microliths and arrow-head typology, and an extension to artefacts with several equivalent loci is determined. Au

Summarizes the recent developments which promise considerable improvements over the 'conventional' or beta-ray counting method of radiocarbon dating. It was recently recognized that nuclear accelerators had a potential as effective spectrometers: independent work with the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory cyclotron, and with the tandem Van de Graaf accelerators at the University of Rochester and McMaster University, indicated the possibilities. However, there are disadvantages with the cyclotron method; and the tandem Van de Graaf method, with its capability to deal with very small samples and its low measurement times, offers a near-doubling (theoretically at least) of the currently available time-range. It does, however, require extremely high standards of sample collection. See also 'Extending the radiocarbon calendar', New Sci, 83, 1979, 98-100.

Questions the uncritical acceptance by archaeologists and palynologists of the technique of pollen analysis. Attention is focused upon the nature of agricultural clearance and problems of its inference from pollen spectra; the spatial distribution of palaeoenvironmental sites; and the proximity of such sites to those of prehistoric activity. The complexity is such that supplementary data may be needed to argment the orthodox pollen record. Au(abr)

Recent investigations of botanical material from archaeological sites have provided seeds and plant remains exhibiting a crystalline or semi-crystalline appearance due to replacement by calcium phosphate. Faecal deposits from cesspits and garderobes have provided the bulk of this type of evidence, yielding important information about diet. Au(abr)

Cranial deformity associated with feather cresting is known in certain varieties of modern domestic fowl. The presence of this cranial form at Uley (Gloucestershire) Roman temple may indicate differentiation of this variety by 4th century AD. Au(adp)

Several species of woodlice, millipedes and centipedes have been recorded from archaeological deposits from S and E England and S Wales. These are only likely to survive, even in waterlogged deposits, in conditions which preserve them as calcium carbonate replacement fossils. Insect puparia may also undergo calcification. A description of recovered specimens, and discussion of the sites from which they came, is provided.

Thirteen hoards selected from Inventaria Archaeologica were examined in relation to the chemical condition of the soil in which they had been buried. Even though the soil samples had to come from sites which yielded their hoards up to a century ago, a reasonable relationship was found between the pH of the soil and the state of the metal. High tin bronze was found exceedingly resistant to a wide range of corrosion conditions. Acid soils are aggressive to metals, alkaline soils benign; peat and peaty soils were mainly benign although acid.