Dating of Historical Manuscripts Using Spectrometric Methods: A Mini-Review

Nesměrák, Karel; Němcová, I.

doi:10.1080/00032719.2011.644741

Cited by 19 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…Very little research has been done that connects elemental composition and concentrations to hisorical periods. Elemental analysis of paper together with knowledge of the elemental composion of the ink used in a historical document 14 can thus be used in dating and authenticating such documents.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Analysis of Pre and Post-1850 Historical Documents Obtained from the National Library of South Africa

Dzinavatonga¹,

Medupe²,

Prinsloo³

et al. 2013

Asian J. Chem.

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Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence technique was used to study the elemental composition of some historical paper samples obtained from the National Library of South Africa. Six elements namely Fe, Cu, Mn, Ca, K and S were detected. It was found that older documents had higher concentrations of Ca and hence a considerable alkaline buffer than recent documents. It was also observed that the levels of Ca dropped significantly between 1800 and 1890 coinciding with the period paper making technology also changed. The concentrations of K and S also went down around 1890. Fe remained fairly high and was detected in all samples. Cu and Mn were found to be at very low concentrations compared to Fe. This research shows that Fe has the potential to impact negatively on paper permanency unless de-acidification is undertaken because of its relative abundance compared to Cu.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Analysis of Pre and Post-1850 Historical Documents Obtained from the National Library of South Africa

Dzinavatonga¹,

Medupe²,

Prinsloo³

et al. 2013

Asian J. Chem.

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“…In these cases, the chemistry of the papyrus and ink may yield critical clues to aid the historian and scholar (Olsson et al , 2001; Wagner et al , 2007; Rabin et al , 2009; Rabin, 2013). In some cases, the papyrus and ink chemistry is of interest for dating or authentication of artefacts (Nesměrák and Němcová, 2012; Goler et al , 2016).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Which elements are useful for understanding the composition of ancient papyrus inks?

et al. 2017

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X-ray fluorescence spectrometry was used in mapping and spot analysis modes, to help identify which elements are useful for understanding the composition of ancient papyrus inks, for 25 papyri from four age groups. We report seven elements (Al, Si, P, S, Ca, Ti, Fe) which provide sufficient contrast to be useful for mapping analysis, and 16 elements (P, S, Cl, K, Ca, V, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Nb, Ag, Ba, and Pb) which show significant differences through time. Only one element – Pb – showed sufficient contrast in the thin ink layer to be significantly different when measured on the ink and adjacent papyrus. There is greater complexity in the elemental compositions of the papyrus and ink than can be understood with a study this size and additional work is required to develop and explain the patterns observed here.

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“…Not only the problem concerns old handwritings, but also forged contemporary documents, such as last wills, financial obligations, and so forth. A good starting point to learn about spectrometric methodologies useful for dating historical manuscripts, is a review by Nesměrák and Němcová (2012).…”

Section: Forgerymentioning

confidence: 99%

Mass spectrometry in art conservation—With focus on paintings

Smoluch

Sobczyk

Szewczyk

et al. 2021

Mass Spectrometry Reviews

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Conservation of historic artifacts has been a multidisciplinary field from its very beginning. Traditionally, it has been and still is associated with the history of art. It applies knowledge from technical and basic sciences, adapting their solutions to its goals. At present, however, a new tendency is clearly emerging—scientific research is starting to play an increasingly important role not only as a service, but also by proposing new solutions both in the traditional conservation areas and in new areas of conservation activities. The above trend opens up new perspectives for the field of preservation of our heritage but may also create new threats. Therefore, the conservators' caution in introducing new technologies should always be justified; after all, they are responsible for the effects of any activities on the historic objects. This, quite selective review, discusses application of mass spectrometry techniques for the detection of various components that are important to the conservators of our heritage with particular focus on paintings. The text also contains some basic knowledge of technical details to introduce the methodology to a broader group of professionals.

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Dating of Historical Manuscripts Using Spectrometric Methods: A Mini-Review

Cited by 19 publications

References 42 publications

Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Analysis of Pre and Post-1850 Historical Documents Obtained from the National Library of South Africa

Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Analysis of Pre and Post-1850 Historical Documents Obtained from the National Library of South Africa

Which elements are useful for understanding the composition of ancient papyrus inks?

Mass spectrometry in art conservation—With focus on paintings

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