The ointment pot was interesting to me for the part that was found near the turtle shell, away from the other pieces and had indications of chipping.
As far as mercury, it seems more appropriate to compare test on the lotion bottle with test on the Ointment pot
Both are glass so have similar characteristics for absorption
Both found on the same part of the island so likely exposed to similar “soils”/ coral. I think the Loran station, although relatively close is still too far away to be any factor.
The bird bones may show mercury but making that relationship to the glass seems a stretch to me. Although I have to say that I read NC crew scooped water out of a guano pit and I think the ointment pot makes a good scooping tool for very shallow water. Even this could indicate castaway behavior in my opinion.
As with the glass artifacts, I think the bird bones are interesting for possible castaway study. It was interesting reading Tom King’s blog, especially the preliminary study on “fledging” seasons. Seems there may be a correlation there with AE’s time on the island.