Smeltediglerne fra Kvæsthusbroen

Abstract
The thesis is based on the archaeological material obtained from the excavation on Kvæsthusbroen
in Copenhagen in 2005 (KBM 3100). The material includes more than 50 fragments of crucibles,
which can be dated to the period around 1600-1750 AD. The thesis presents a comparative material
of crucibles from Denmark and abroad, and recent research results from the United Kingdom are
discussed. In connection with this discussion, the thesis seeks to place the Danish crucibles into a
wider perspective. Furthermore, their context, provenance, and their usage, including alchemy, are
discussed.
Finally, the potential of post-medieval archeology in Denmark are illustrated through the
archaeological investigation at Kvæsthusbroen.
The thesis concludes that there is a great potential in further research of medieval and post-medieval
crucibles and archaeological objects related to alchemy as well.
Future research and studies should be conducted in an interdisciplinary collaboration with
colleagues from home and abroad.
The discussion concerning the potential of post-medieval archaeology concludes that the discipline
is highly relevant. A downgrading of contemporary archeology would lead to an under-
representation of archaeological material from this period. This will result in an undesirable gap
in our material cultural heritage.