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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;lrbguy, post: 2977239, member: 88829&quot;]Sure you know.&nbsp; When I was at that stage in learning this hobby I fantasized that cleaning a coin was akin to the excavation that an archaeologist does with a trowel.&nbsp; I&#039;m uncovering something unknown from the ancient past.&nbsp; I&#039;m recovering &quot;history&quot; for my generation.&nbsp; The significance of what I do is limited chiefly by my own imagination, never mind the question of utility.&nbsp; Eventually it begins to dawn that the allure of archaeology is in the fantasy it allows, but the value of archaeology is wrapped up in its science; a disciplined effort that is not for everyone.&nbsp; Learning the science brings with it an appreciation that goes well beyond the fantasy, but tends to make the process of excavation/cleaning something far less romantic.&nbsp; For most of us, once the leap is made, the genie won&#039;t go back in the bottle.</p><p><br /></p><p>My intuition, such as it is, tells me it was ever thus.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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