Application of a multi-analytical toolset to a 16th century ointment: Identification as lead plaster mixed with beeswax

作者：Baeten Jan; Romanus Kerlijne; Degryse Patrick; De Clercq Wim; Poelman Hilde; Verbeke Kristin; Luypaerts Anja; Walton Marc; Jacobs Pierre; De Vos Dirk^*; Waelkens Marc

来源：Microchemical Journal, 2010, 95(2): 227-234.

DOI：10.1016/j.microc.2009.12.005

• Ointment
• Archaeological residue analysis
• Chromatography
• Mass spectrometry
• Infrared spectroscopy
• X-ray technique

During archaeological excavations of the Castle of Middelburg (Belgium), a 16th century ceramic vessel containing a greasy substance was found A wide range of chemical techniques was applied on what was presumed to be an ointment to reveal its nature and function The organic fraction, constituting about 24 wt %, was analyzed by chromatography and mass spectrometry and consists of beeswax next to smaller amounts of a triglyceride lipid source. Infrared analyses indicated the presence of calcium carboxylate soaps The inorganic ingredients represent about 30% of the total mass While calcium, lead and iron were detected by elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction revealed calcium sulfate (gypsum) and lead sulfate as major minerals Detailed study by X-I ay photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the presence of lead as a divalent species Altogether, these results point to a medicinal formulation of a lead plaster, used for treating bruises, mixed with beeswax, which was added for easy application on the skin It is further assumed that lead carboxylates, originally present in the sample, reacted with gypsum, resulting in the formation of calcium carboxylates and lead sulfate. Gypsum could have been added to whiten or to strengthen

• 出版日期2010-7