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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 07 September 2010
Excavation like any other pursuit has its own special morality and it is possible to frame a new decalogue for the use of the fraternity.
Knowledge ascertained by proof is the only thing that really matters.
Do not introduce theories into your excavation work, more than is absolutely necessary. If you want to spend your time pursuing fascinating but elusive theories, well and good; but let it be your leisure time, not that devoted to your high calling.
Since knowledge ascertained by proof is the only thing that matters, do not let its name be taken in vain by allowing an unproved theory to take its place as a premiss in a serious argument: it is one of the subtlest temptations that beset the primrose path of theory spinning to use a conclusion that to the most sanguine eye is only probable as an ostensibly firm basis for a further edifice of speculation.
Work very slowly, remembering that an overtaxed staff is an inefficient staff.
Remember that if you once attack a site you are bound to do the best you can by its potential store of knowledge: you must not abandon it for a caprice, because you are tired of it.
Do not destroy any ancient remains.
Do not mix your labels, or allow confusion among your finds; for evil so wrought has no remedy.
Do not “hog”; that is, do not dig for your treasure so quickly as to risk missing half its story.
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