Abstract
An example is presented of the usefulness of arc voltage recordings in the design of a synthetic matrix for the trace analysis of bone ash and bone mineral. In particular, the sensitivity of the voltage patterns of calcium phosphate to carbonate concentration enabled a simple quantitative estimate of the carbonate content of bone to be made, and measurement of the average arc temperatures substantiated the result. A method is therefore suggested for the determination of percent amounts of carbonate in similar materials which requires but a few milligrams of sample. This determination is important in the study of the nature, deposition, and crystallization of bone mineral and other biological calcifications. It may also be useful in the analysis of the various geological apatites.
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