Regimentation. Proof/Discipline, and Military Influence in 19th Century Archaeology

Description

Chris Evans  (Cambridge Archaeological Unit, University of Cambridge) 

Discussant: Prof Simon Schaffer (Department of History and Philosophy  of Science, University of Cambridge)

Abstract

This paper will generally explore the influence of military procedures and personal experience thereof in 19th and early 20th century British archaeological fieldwork. Aside from tracing this as a practical legacy (survey techniques, the grid and organisation of labour, etc.), it will consider its impact upon notions of ‘disciplining the past’ (e.g. Wheeler) and, particularly, how Pitt Rivers’ constitution of proof arose from his army background (ordnance adjudication and legal prosecution).

 

 

Open to all.  No registration required

Part of the Field Notes: Histories of Archaeology and Anthropology Seminar series.
For more information about the group, please visit the link on the right hand side of this page. 

Poster images from Flickr creative commons by d.schille