Harbottle, G.; “The Vinland Map: a critical review of archaeometric research on its authenticity”, Archaeometry 50 (1) (2008) 177–189
doi:10.1111/j.1475-4754.2007.00378
doi:10.1111/j.1475-4754.2007.00378
Abstract:
The authenticity of the ‘Vinland Map’ (Beinecke Library of Rare Books and Manuscripts at Yale University) has been challenged on both codicological and scientific grounds, the latter resulting from a microscopic study of the ink employed. McCrone Associates of Chicago examined, between 1972 and 1974, a total of 29 microparticles, including 16 of ink from the Vinland Map, and in 1974 reported to Yale that it contained a pigment, anatase, only available after 1920. In 1974, Yale announced that the map was ‘probably a modern forgery’. This review critically examines archaeometric research leading to, and testing, this conclusion.
This article has been reviewed by Towe et al in the same Journal:
Towe, K. M.; Clark, R. J. H.; Seaver, K. A.; "Analysing the Vinland Map: a critical review of a critical review", Archaeometry 50 (5) (2008) 887-893
doi:10.1111/j.1475-4754.2008.00428.x (restricted access)
Abstract:
In an attempt to validate the Vinland Map as a genuine 15th century work, Garman Harbottle (2008) claims to review critically, and thereby discredit, the archaeometric research undertaken on the Map's ink by Walter McCrone (1974–1999) and Brown and Clark (2002). In this paper we outline and discuss the numerous arguments that are presented by Harbottle, all of which we find to be misleading or at best highly questionable.
And Harbottle's reply:
Harbottle, G.; "Reply to comments of Towe et al on 'The Vinland Map: a critical review of archaeometric research on its authenticity' ", Archaeometry 50 (5) (2008) 894
doi:10.1111/j.1475-4754.2008.00424.x (restricted access)