I have been asked to post the following query. Answers not of
general interest can be directed to [log in to unmask] or
I can forward them from [log in to unmask]
Thank you,
James Harcourt
We are presently looking at a series of privies on a rural school site
dating from 1870 through 1920.
Other than treating it as a traditional feature and in compliance with
OSHA regulations, has anyone developed innovative or specialized
methods to excavate a privy?
Assuming that the collected material is from a community using the
privy for some duration prior to a final filing, what can flotation
and specialized studies contribute to the study of a late historic
school? Is the data too generalized to go beyond an obvious
reconstruction of diet?
Since we are presently working within the limitations of a Phase II
investigation, have sampling procedures been used successfully in the
past to either set research priorities for the privies or to determine
their contents prior to a full excavation?
What are the disease dangers involved in such excavations. Are
inoculations for diseases necessary or will gloves and a
respirator be sufficient?
Thank You in Advance,
James