The Epilogue reflects on the ways that nineteenth-century texts consistently acknowledge the post-lapsarian state of human existence. The literary works discussed in this book all, to some extent, either recreate the events of Milton’s epic in a world that is fallen or tell the story of what happens after the expulsion. Drawing on Christopher Ricks, the Epilogue identifies a single word – ‘error’ – as emblematic of Milton’s nineteenth-century legacy. ‘Error’ points to its post-lapsarian meanings even when used to describe Eden before the Fall. After opening with the 1790 disinterment of Milton’s corpse, the Epilogue turns to another disturbing anecdote to illustrate the complexity of Milton’s nineteenth-century reception: the history of a Victorian edition of Milton’s poetry, bound in tanned human skin. The skin in question belonged to George Cudmore, executed for murder in the 1830s. This instance of anthropodermic bibliopegy reveals that Milton’s works, while revered and respected by the Victorians – his body parts were treated as relics – were also open to disruption and reinterpretation.

Gives the principles of inductively coupled plasma-spectrometry in all its various configurations – analysis of samples in solution and the solid state (via laser ablation) as well as optical and mass spectrometric detection. ICP techniques have become the industry standard following the decline of neutron activation analysis and are now routinely used in archaeology.

Introduces the technique of chromatography – the separation of molecules in a sample by passing it through a ‘sticky’ stationary phase – including liquid and gas chromatography with detection by conventional and various mass spectrometric techniques. Gives an introduction to organic residue analysis on visible and invisible residues in ceramics and, more recently, metals.

Chapter 2 establishes an intermedial, transatlantic connection between John Milton, Herman Melville and J. M. W. Turner. Building on the work of Erik Gray and Robert K. Wallace, it identifies in Melville’s and Turner’s work a shared investment in Miltonic ‘passive power’. This concept is spatially rendered in the work of all three figures as a vortex: a dynamic form with a still, potent centre. In Milton, vortical passive power is depicted most clearly in Satan circling the immovable Christ in Paradise Regained. Melville’s engagement with Miltonic passivity is evidenced in his annotated reading of Milton and given vortical form in the violent silence of the white whale in Moby-Dick and in the maddening refusals of Bartleby in ‘Bartleby, the Scrivener’. In Moby-Dick, Melville’s ekphrastic engagement with Milton’s sublime chaos also draws on the visual language of Turner’s paintings, in turn informed by Milton. The chapter ends by examining Turner’s self-mythologising anecdotes, arguing that he constructs himself as a Miltonic figure, positioned as the still, commanding centre of the elemental vortex.

Introduces the structure of the atom (Bohr–Rutherford model) and shows how the electronic configuration of the atoms leads to the construction of the Periodic Table. It also discusses isotopes and natural radioactivity.

Introduces the electromagnetic spectrum and shows how different parts of it interact with solid materials. It includes a derivation of Beer’s law which allows the quantification of analytical measurements. It concludes with a discussion of synchrotron radiation, which provides highly collimated high intensity electromagnetic radiation across all wavelengths.

This volume serves as an introduction to the principles and applications of analytical chemistry to archaeological materials. Accessible to students without a comprehensive background in chemistry, it will enable them to draw meaningful interpretations from analytical data in order to facilitate a deeper understanding of the beliefs of people in the distant past. The second edition has been thoroughly revised to include the cutting-edge developments in analytical chemistry that have occurred over the last two decades. It offers a detailed explanation of the principles behind the analytical techniques, allowing archaeologists to appreciate the strengths and limitations of data generated through analysis of archaeological objects. The volume also includes interdisciplinary perspectives, showing how the interaction between a range of disciplines enables a deeper understanding of human behaviour and beliefs in the past. Importantly, the book provides basic information on laboratory procedures and safety that fosters an understanding of the practicalities of laboratory science.

Chapter 2 describes the history of archaeological research on the plateau, beginning with the efforts of missionaries, diplomats, and explorers to compile natural histories of the plateau, then moving to 20th-century research conducted by Chinese and Western scholars.

Discusses the analytical techniques based on the interaction of X-rays with matter (X-ray fluorescence), or which produce characteristic X-rays (scanning electron microscope) from electron or other particle bombardment, which can also be used for imaging. It also describes the use of X-ray diffraction for pigment identification and discusses the issues arising from the use of portable XRF on archaeological material.

Chapter 8 presents an evaluation of how the archaeology of the plateau can offer insights into environmental conservation and explores the political context of how data from the past are used by the modern Chinese state to solidify its control over the Tibetan people.