Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The Department of Conservation has started to use two new methods for conservation of wet archaeological rope. Results from these methods show that the rope retains its original shape, color, and texture. The methods involve freezing the... more
The Department of Conservation has started to use two new methods for conservation of wet archaeological rope. Results from these methods show that the rope retains its original shape, color, and texture. The methods involve freezing the rope while it is still floating in liquid, to avoid compression caused by the rope's own weight. The first method is based on impregnating the rope with water-soluble materials, followed by freezing in organic solvent and freeze-drying at 50% relative humidity (RH). The second method begins with freezing the rope in pure water followed by freeze-drying at 50% RH. The dry rope is impregnated with polymers in nonpolar organic solvent.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
A taxidermic preparation of newborn Danish conjoined twins from 1848 is analyzed to clarify how the preparation originally was made and the causes of its present state of preservation. The analyses include macroscopic documentation, X-ray... more
A taxidermic preparation of newborn Danish conjoined twins from 1848 is analyzed to clarify how the preparation originally was made and the causes of its present state of preservation. The analyses include macroscopic documentation, X-ray analysis, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometer, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, identification of fibres and shrinkage temperature. The object is unique and has great presentation value: the context in which it might be exhibited is also discussed. It forms part of the collection begun by Professor Mathias Saxtorph (1740-1800), extended by his son, Professor Johan Saxtorph (1772-1840) and administered since that time by the Royal Maternity Hospital, Copenhagen.
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Waterlogged archaeological materials can be dehydrated with a minimum of collapse and shrinkage by boiling the objects in cellosolve (1-ethoxy-2-propanol) and petroleum, followed by a wax/petroleum impregnation and a final vacuum drying.... more
Waterlogged archaeological materials can be dehydrated with a minimum of collapse and shrinkage by boiling the objects in cellosolve (1-ethoxy-2-propanol) and petroleum, followed by a wax/petroleum impregnation and a final vacuum drying. The conservation process takes from four to 60 days. The method is not a replacement for the more traditional conservation methods such as freeze-drying, but a supplementary treatment for: 1) small, delicate, heavily deteriorated objects; 2) composites made of metal and wood 3) objects which must not be filled up with bulking agents; 4) objects which need a very light and natural appearance; and 5) objects which need fast treatment. -- AATA