Artifacts : an introduction to early materials and technology / Henry Hodges.

First Published 1964 by John Baker Publishers Ltd.,London. Reprinted 1965,1968,1971,1976 (with corrections)

Includes bibliographical references (p. 229-239) and index.

Part 1. Materials and Methods of Working -- 1. Pottery -- 2. Glazes -- 3. Glass and Enamels -- 4. Copper and Copper Alloys -- 5. Iron and Steel -- 6. Gold, Silver, Lead and Mercury -- 7. Stone -- 8. Wood -- 9. Fibers and Threads -- 10. Textiles and Baskets -- 11. Hides and Leather -- 12. Antler, Bone, Horn and Ivory -- 13. Dyes, Pigments and Paints -- 14. Adhesives -- 15 Some Other Materials -- Part II. The Examination of Artifacts -- 16. General Principle -- 17. Examination of Stone Artifacts -- 18. Examination of Pottery and Glasses -- 19. Examination of Metal Objects -- 20 Examination of Organic Materials.

This book is not a history of technology, but an endeavour to show how, from the artifacts of early man, one may come by the necessary facts from which to construct a history of technology, especially one of a preliterate people. The first part of the book is intended to give a short account of the materials and techniques likely to have been used by early man, while the second part deals very briefly with the technological examination of artifacts, and gives an outline of the methods of study adopted by specialists in various fields of the natural sciences.

Our understanding of the daily life of early man depends to a large extent on our knowledge of the materials and manufacturing techniques that were used in the production of ancient artifacts. Such a study applied to surviving objects can also give us unexpected information about the spread of trade and its chronology, and about the transmission and adaptation of techniques among different peoples. Many books have been written on archaeological methods such as excavation, but the process of technological investigation has been less widely discussed. This book has established itself as the standard introductory account. Part One treats the raw materials themselves -- everything from clay, glass, metals and stone to wood, fibers, leather, bone, dyes and pigments -- and describes the various methods of working. Part Two outlines the general principles of laboratory examination employed by specialists in the relevant naturalsciences.