(S. E. Jones, L. B. Rees)
Profs. Jones and Rees have been working in the relatively new field of archaeometry in recent years. A recent paper by Prof. Jones with two BYU undergraduate students has been published in BYU Studies, 37:128-142 (1998), "Archaeometry Applied to Olmec Iron-ore Beads." In that research, we applied x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, electron microprobe analysis, photomicroscopy, and magnetometer analysis to 3,000-year-old artifacts found in southern Mexico.
In preparation for our planned study of Hyrum Smith's box, we have tested wood samples rubbed with gold, silver and copper coins using PIXE (Proton Induced X-ray Emission). We have demonstrated the effectiveness of PIXE in such studies. Research regarding horse bones possibly dating before Columbus (in America) is underway. Prof. Jones has received outside funding from private donors and from FARMS (Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies) for this research.
In each of these projects and in others still in planning stages, we have used advanced physics methods to probe objects of historical or archaeological interest. A study of the trace metal signature of Deseret coins, minted under the direction of Brigham Young using gold from Thomas Rhoade's "lost mine of the Uintahs", is also planned.
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Last modified 12 Nov 1998 by S. D. Bergeson