Well, I havent actually had (found) a 'blob'...just used that
term...generically.  Mainly I've seen 'masses' of nails, spikes,
etc....rod shaped things...all 'fused' together from corrosion. Once
described and weighed...and even photo'd ...I don't see the point in
saving that.  Plus...some curation facilities don't even want unstable
material like corroded ferrous.

What does one do with a bunch of itty bits of can wall frags?  Count
them? No. At best...weigh them....and then how else will they contribute
to our knowledge...if they are Saved?

>-----Original Message-----
>From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On 
>Behalf Of Ron May
>Sent: Sunday, October 29, 2006 7:25 PM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: Re: curation of hazardous materials
>
> 
><<well, ok,
>masses of corroded ferrous blobs...I have no  problem discarding), >>
>
>
>I cringe when reading this sort of statement. I distinctly 
>recall a slide show at a former SHA Conference in which a blob 
>of rust had been x-rayed and found to contain a precise mold 
>of a weapon. When drilled, the conservator poured a liquid 
>inside that set up in a day or so. Then, they skillfully 
>cracked the rusted outer surface to reveal a precise casting 
>of the weapon inside. In the ocean, metal converts to oxides 
>that bond with the surrounding sediments,  leaving molds of 
>things like knives, pistols, cannon balls, and jewelry boxes.  
>Can you imagine discarding one of those rusty blobs? 
> 
>Ron May
>Legacy 106, Inc.
>