[Jewelry making - Article 00029] - Re: [Orchid] Few details about Enamels...

[David Popham]

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Clare,

    May I suggest that you first approach your supervisor to help you
    get started. That way you will be well informed of what is expected
    from you. 

    If you have done that but are still uncomfortable with getting
    started, then may I suggest that you begin your research by reading
    many of the back issues of "Glass on Metal", a publication from
    Thompson Enamels? Mr. Thompson has written many articles that will
    help you. 

    If you have not done so already, may I also suggest that you brouse
    some first year chemistry and physics texts to become acquainted
    with the chemical and physical properties of the materials used to
    compose enamels? You will need to become familiar with such concepts
    as "refractive index", "coefficient of expansion", transition
    metals, oxides, hydroxides and salts. 

    In addition, you may also wish to consider reading introductory
    texts on toxicology and ecology to address your questions regarding
    the issue of lead toxicity. Concepts such as dose and biological
    availability come to mind. 

    Finally, in writing an honours thesis you are expected to do your
    own research by reading journals and texts. While asking questions
    over the www is one approach to finding information, you have no way
    of assessing its value. Academic books and articles in academic
    journals are refereed, meaning that you can be assured that the
    content is sound, especially when three or more articles on the same
    subject say the same thing. 

    Your address suggests that you are writing from Zambia or RSA. If
    that is true, then it is likely your are attending an academic
    instituiton using the British model for tertiary education. It
    follows then that you will be expected to defend your thesis during
    an oral examination so that your supervisor and other examiners can
    be assured that your knowledge of the subject matter covered in your
    thesis is sound. At least that has been my experience. 

David Popham
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