Archaeometry 39 (1)

Investigation of the early Islamic development of a technique that eventually spread to Europe.

A paper investigating the possibility that some ancient metallurgical processes give rise to large changes in the isotopic composition of tin and thus may show ancient bronze samples that had undergone recycling and mixing processes. Results indicate either recycling of bronze was not so common in LBA Mediterranean region as has been thought, or that the isotopic composition of tin is not fractionated by anthropogenic metallurgical processes to the extent suggested.

Concludes that the dissolution cell is satisfactory for routine applications, but that the original, manual protocol is preferable for preliminary investigation of untested assemblages.

Includes examples from France, Spain, and Shropham Pit (Norfolk).

Examples from northern Italy are used. An appendix provides supporting information (200--3).

Advocates perseverance with the technique, despite recent inconclusive results.