Archaeology: formulation of a Roman cosmetic.
The discovery of a small tin canister in London during archaeological excavations of a Roman temple precinct, dated to the middle of the second century AD, is a landmark in the study of this class of artefact. Such discoveries from the Roman world are rare and this is the only one to be found so far with its lid and contents--a whitish medicinal or cosmetic cream--providing a unique opportunity for us to study the ancient formulation.
Evershed
R P
RP
School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Cantock's Close, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK. r.p.evershed@bristol.ac.uk
Berstan
R
R
Grew
F
F
Copley
M S
MS
Charmant
A J H
AJ
Barham
E
E
Mottram
H R
HR
Brown
G
G
D000818:Animals; D001106:Archaeology; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000266:history*; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000032:analysis; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D049690:History, Ancient; D008131:London; D018644:Roman World; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; D013213:Starch / Q000032:analysis; D014001:Tin / Q000032:analysis
D003358:Cosmetics; D005227:Fatty Acids; D014001:Tin; D013213:Starch