Dating of Historical Manuscripts Using Spectrometric Methods: A Mini-Review

Abstract

An overview is provided of spectrometric methods useful for age estimation of historical manuscripts (medieval ones in particular), in order to confirm their authenticity. Individual methods (infrared and Raman spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, atomic emission spectroscopy, X-ray spectroscopy, and electron scanning microscopy) are discussed and examples of their application described. The following general strategy can be recommended for dating and/or authenticating of historical manuscripts. First of all, the pigment analysis should be carried out using Raman spectroscopy (distinguishing the period and modern pigments), followed by PIXE ink analysis (solving the question of ink homogeneity). Finally, the radiocarbon dating of the writing support, potentially supplemented by the ink dating using scanning Auger microscopy should be performed.

Keywords:

• Authentication
• Dating
• Ink
• Manuscripts
• Pigments
• Spectrometry

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the research project MSM0021620857 of the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports of the Czech Republic.

Notes

MS – mass spectrometry; LIBS–laser induced breakdown spectroscopy; PIXE–proton induced X ray emission method; SAM–scanning Auger microscopy.

Dedicated to the memory of Prof. Jaroslav Zýka (1922–2010).