Abstract:
The techniques used to analyse glass in forensics and archaeology differ:
forensic analysis relies almost completely on Refractive Index, whereas archaeology
uses compositional analyses. This thesis focuses on examining, explaining and
challenging those differences through the analysis of colourless glass from forensic
and archaeological contexts.
Two major studies are undertaken, one focussing on stained and painted glass
from Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, and one based on modern automotive glass.
The analytical techniques common to each discipline are applied to the samples of
glass used in the research. The studies each focus on individual research questions;
the Christ Church study investigates the 17th century Van Linge window scheme, the
compositions of fragments of glass from throughout the cathedral’s history are
investigated, and shown to separate into distinct compositional groups. The study also
successfully recreates the Van Linge window scheme; and the historical and
compositional analyses allowed the study of one of the in-situ painted windows in the
cathedral. The automotive glass study investigates the complex relationship between
glass manufacturers and vehicle manufacturers. The research revealed that certain
makes of vehicle were beginning to group and glass from specific areas of the world
was also grouping together. This study highlights the potential use for glass as a tool
for intelligence gathering rather than just as evidence.
The application of the different analytical techniques to each study is
discussed along with the merits of using each of the techniques. The potential of using
forensic techniques in archaeology and archaeological techniques in forensics is
evaluated. Specifically, LA-ICP-MS, which is rarely used in forensics, could be an
innovative and potentially important tool for the forensic evaluation of cars and other
glass evidence. A discussion of the research and databases needed to make the most of
the techniques is assessed.
