Abstract
Reynolds’ (1967) method for relating the mass absorption coefficient on the long wavelength side of a major element absorption edge to the intensity of the emission line of the element causing the absorption discontinuity is shown to be a special case of a more general relation. The systematic positive errors noted by Reynolds in using his method are consistent in sign and of similar magnitude to errors generated by neglecting the general relation. If the ratio of the mass absorption coefficient on the short wavelength side to that on the long wavelength side of a major element’s absorption edge is plotted against the peak intensity of this element, the plots allow use of the general relation and permit simultaneous comparisons to be made to more than one standard. The technique is used to best advantage (in common geologic applications) in the analysis of elements of atomic numbers from calcium to iron.
