TAA i.3.4.recto

Notebook
TAA i.3.4 (calcite)
Caption
Note for scientific publication on calcite
Creator
William F. Hume
Alfred Lucas
Date of creation
12 March 1923 – 14 March 1923
Material
Ink
Paper
Measurements
33.3 x 20.9 cm (h x w)
Notes

Typewritten letter from William F. Hume to Alfred Lucas on the scientific results of tested alabaster; handwritten reply from Alfred Lucas dated 14 March 1923.

Download low resolution image Enquire about high resolution image

© Griffith Institute,

University of Oxford

Transcription

MINISTRY OF FINANCE.
SURVEY OF EGYPT.
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF EGYPT.

 

The reply to be addressed:
          Director,
          Geological Survey of Egypt,
          Dawawin Post Office,
          Cairo.
and the following number quoted:
          No. 368/23

         

          ENCLOS. one cover

          Parcels .......

Telephone: No. 22.22.

 

                                         Cairo, 12th, March, 1923.

                               "Alabaster" from Tomb of Tutenkhamen.

          A. Lucas Esq.,
          c/o Howard Carter, Esq.
          LUXOR.

 

Dear Lucas,

          I carried out a specific gravity by the Walker's 

Balance method on Saturday, and obtained the result 2.666.

          In order to have a confirmation of the result, as 

our Joly Balance is unreliable at the moment, and the 

specimens are rather small for the Walker, I asked Little 

yesterday to secure me a checking result through the 

Chemical Department. The figure thus obtained is 2.634.

          The specific gravity of Aragonite is=2.93 – 2.95. 

The maximum for pure crystals of Calcite is 2.723, 

according to Dana. Rutley gives sp. gr. of calcite as 

2.6 – 2.7. Bowman gives sp. gr. of calcite 2.6 – 2.8.

          The results are, I think, amply sufficient to show 

that there is not the slightest trace of aragonite in the 

"alabaster". Dana (p. 268) definitely mentions Egyptian 

alabaster under "Stalagnite", which he places in the 

Calcite group.

          I was much interested in the short talk we had with 

you, and hope all continues to go well.

H/

                                                Yours very sincerely,           Director
                                                      (Dr) W. F. Hume            Geological 
                                                                                            Survey of Egypt
 

<Specimens sent to Dr Hume.
(a) Two small pieces from the lid of a vase or jar.
(b) Two small thinner pieces, slightly curved & probably from vase or jar.

                                                                   A. Lucas
                                                                                    14.3.23>