Summary and conclusions
The subject of ams has come a long way since the two classic experiments undertaken in 1977 almost simultaneously at Rochester and McMaster Universities. Although attempts at actual dates were made at that time, these experiments were largely qualitative, showing the way for more dedicated machines. Work is now being undertaken in some 33 laboratories around the World. The scientific community involved must consist of several hundred workers. This community comprises three categories: in the first place, nuclear physicists, who initiated the technique, are still involved in improving and expanding the subject. The majority of those attending this conference come in this category. Then there are the archaeometrists who are concentrating on 14C dating; Professor Litherland, Dr Hedges and Professor Oeschger gave us some account of their work. Lastly, the end users are here to tell of the projects with which they are concerned. We have had contributions from both archaeologists and the ever-widening circle of environmentalists. The papers at this meeting can largely be divided into three other categories: dating, tracer studies and what might be called the ‘show it can be done’ category.