White glass beads wanted for FREE analysis
 
Ron Hancock at the Slowpoke Reactor Facility, University of Toronto, is
currently using non-destructive neutron activation analysis to study the
chemical composition of white(opaque) glass trade beads from Ontario
collections ranging in date from about 1600 to 1930.  There are some very
significant changes in bead composition through time. The period of
greatest change would appear to be between 1650 to 1750.  Unfortunately,
there is little material available for that period in Ontario.
 
The Slowpoke would like to borrow some white glass beads from sites in
Northeastern North America for neutron activation analysis. The technique
is non-destructive and the beads are in no way altered or stained.  Send
me an email if you have a collection of white glass beads that have the
following features:  1) date between 1650 - 1750; 2) from good
archaeological context; 3) from Northeastern North America; 4) diameters
smaller than 10mm; and 5) you are interested in making them available for
analysis.
 
The beads would be returned in 2 to 6 months after receipt with the
results of the analysis.Normally, rates per sample are approx.
$200.00, so this is bead bargoon! For an earlier Slowpoke study dealing
with blue beads, see Archaeometry Vol. 36, No.2(1994). --