Hi-De-Ho Neighbor!
The LAMAR Institute is delighted to announce the release of three archaeology reports on its entry into the mysterious world of “ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS”. Thanks to Bruce Kaiser and the Bruker people, our researchers are now investigating the basic components of archaeology at the elemental level. As Bruce points out, “All is Light” and by examining the variations in the light we are enabled to see things–wonderful things! Our research began with a regional study of early round (lead) ball ammunition. But it turns out, not all of the balls are composed of lead. AND it is those non-lead elements that show promise for our understanding of the variations in ammunition assemblages on Revolutionary War battlefields.
In our Research Report Number 213, we brought together scholars from across the southeastern United States in an attempt to develop a common language for understanding the elemental composition of round balls. This research is still evolving but our initial report on this effort is contained in Report 213, which can be accessed from the following link:
In Research Report 214, one particular battlefield, Kettle Creek, February 14, 1779, is studied for the elemental composition of its round (lead) balls. It is available at:
In Research Report 215, we embarked on the elemental analysis of cast iron munitions from the Revolutionary War era. This study began with a request by a colleague to zap the grapeshot that killed Count Casimir Pulaski, father of the American cavalry. It is available at:
215. Elemental Analysis of the Alleged Grapeshot that Killed Count Casimir Pulaski and Some Other Revolutionary War-era Cast Iron Ordnance. By Daniel T. Elliott 2017 (3.0 MB).
Stay tuned for more, as we expand our search to include gunflints and “Cadaver Dog Dirt”! Later, Dude!
AND Please don’t forget The LAMAR Institute this holiday season! “God bless us everyone”–Dickens
Mister Soapstone 