Archaeometric evidence for the authenticity of the Jehoash inscription tablet

A gray, fine-grained arkosic sandstone tablet bearing an inscription in ancient Hebrew from the First Temple Period contains a rich assemblage of particles accumulated in the covering patina. Two types of patina cover the tablet: a thin layer of black to orange iron-oxide-rich layer, a product of micro-biogenic processes, and a light beige patina that contains feldspars, carbonate, iron oxide, subangular quartz grains, carbon ash particles and gold globules (1 to 4 microns [1 micron = 0.001 millimeter] in diameter). The patina covers the rock surface as well as the engraved lettering grooves and blankets and thus post-dates the incised inscription as well as a crack that runs across the stone and several of the engraved letters. Radiocarbon analyses of the carbon particles in the patina yield a calibrated radiocarbon age of 2340 to 2150 Cal BP. The presence of microcolonial fungi and associated pitting in the patina indicates slow growth over many years. The occurrence of pure gold globules and carbon ash particles is evidence of a thermal event in close proximity to the tablet (above 1000 degrees Celsius). This study supports the antiquity of the patina, which in turn, strengthens the contention that the inscription is authentic.

La racionalidad en la historia : sentido y contingencia

Resumen: Encontrar un sentido en la historia supone caminar por la delgada frontera situada entre lo necesario y el azar. Perdemos la historia en cuanto elegimos un extremo y olvidamos el otro. Merlau-Ponty propone, entonces, un modo de interpretar el devenir histórico articulando estos opuestos en una dialéctica, para encontrar una racionalidad histórica que no olvide la sin razón. Pero no sólo la historia en general, sino también la vida en particular de cada hombre se mueve en este límite, y la autora lo describe recurriendo a la obra La insoportable levedad del ser de Milan Kundera.