Includes bibliographical references (p. 529-602) and index.

Minerals: rock and stone: pigments, abrasives, and gemstones -- Lithics: flint and obsidian -- Sand: glass, glaze, and enamel -- Secondary rocks: building stone, brick, cement, and mortar -- Ores: metals and alloys -- Sediments and soils -- Clay: pottery and other ceramic materials -- The biosphere: organic and biological substances -- Carbohydrates: wood, gums, and resins -- Lipids: oils, fats, and waxes; soap -- Proteins: skin, leather, and glue -- The nucleic acids: human traits; genetics and evolution -- Fibers: yarn, textiles, and cordage; writing materials -- Dyes and dyeing -- Bioinorganic materials: bone, ivory, and shell; phytoliths -- Some ancient remains: mummies, fossils, and coprolites -- The environment and decay of archaeological materials -- Authentication of antiquities -- Appendixes: I. The chemical elements -- II. Chronometric dating methods: selection criteria -- III. Symbols, constants, units, and equivalencies.