CARBON 14 and other Science Methods

Scientists are no longer as vulnerable to forgery or common error in determining the correct age of ancient objects due to the enormous advances made in physics, chemistry and geology as revisions occur in the timetable of history. This book describes the methods developed for dating artifacts, natural substances, glaciers, skeletons and ancient relies with an emphasis on Carbon 14, the radioactive atom largely responsible for most of the progress. A visit to a radiocarbon laboratory reveals the work of Dr. Willard F. Libby who has developed and employed the precious isotope. Other techniques such as hydration, archaeomagnetism and thermoluminescence applied in excavations all over the world are also explained, so that future scientists or anyone interested in the details of establishing historical will be brought up to date.