The Use of EDX for Fragile and Refractory Objects

The Chairman and other speakers of this session have discussed the problems of adequate sampling of cultural objects. Serious restrictions are placed on the analyst as regards both sample size and location since the object cannot be defaced or altered in any irreversible way. The objects are unique, frequently of uncertain provenance, usually badly documented in any technical sense and almost always seriously altered by time. As a result, the museum scientist must approach each problem with caution and with as much background as possible. There are no routine analyses. Problems must be carefully defined and the optimum available technique selected. Frequently, due to the restrictions imposed, the scientist and scholar must settle for what is possible rather than whatever might have been most desired.