Samples of charcoal recovered from excavated sites were treated with strong acid, followed by strong base. This process removes most of the inorganic carbonates and organic compounds, leaving highly condensed or elementary carbon. The fixed carbon content of the specimens from four sites varied widely and indicated different sources of organic matter. Each charcoal, therefore, has a characteristic chemical composition.

Two recent publications offer stimulating generalizations about pottery analysis. Weaver (1963) considers how archaeologists can secure assistance in pottery analysis. Fontana and others (1962) question the cultural significance of temper. Advice in both studies is based on pottery from a simple level of technological development. A broader view of contemporary potters' techniques shows that paste composition may or may not have cultural significance. Simple rules of analysis are misleading because of the complexity of pottery and the varied role it has played in culture.

Weaver draws conclusions that need to be supported by more experimentation before they can be taken seriously by archaeologists. Thin-section analysis of ceramics from the St. Louis area has yielded certain facts that are briefly presented in order to show that grog-tempering is common in the Mississippi valley. Crushed-sherd tempering is a cultural reality and does not represent inclusions in potter's clay as Weaver suggests.

Some archaeologists make a partial or total confusion of Quiché and Maya culture and history during the Classic period. The historic developments of these two peoples are completely different. Borhegyi's criticism reveals the contradiction that may arise from this confusion. His review is primarily concerned with three paragraphs of my book and is refuted by citation of pertinent archaeological data.