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XVIII. Observations on some ancient metallic Arms and Utensils; 
with Experiments to determine their Composition. By George 
Pearson, M. D. F.R.S . 
Read June g, 1 796. 
The opportunity of examining the ancient metal instruments, 
which are the subject of the present paper, was afforded me 
by Sir Joseph Banks, Bart. K. B. P. R. S. whose zeal for 
science induced him to sacrifice them to chemical analysis. 
I am further indebted to Sir Joseph for almost all the cu- 
rious particulars relative to the history of these instruments ; 
which he was so kind as to permit me to extract from his own 
notes. 
Most of the articles were found in Lincolnshire, in the 
bed of the river Witham, between Kirksted and Lincoln. Se- A 
veral of them were discovered when that river was scoured 
out in 1787 and 1788. 
The river Witham, between Lincoln and Tattersall, runs 
through a country almost level, abounding with moorish soil. 
Its current is slow, and had for ages been depositing gradually 
a mud, which possesses powers of preserving things lodged in 
it for a great length of time. The peat moss also of moorish 
soils has the same property. Inthe Philosophical Transactions, 
(Vol, XLIV.) an account is given of a body which was dug up 
in the isle of Axholme that was judged to be of great antiquity, 
