Includes bibliographical references and index.

Characterizing the object -- The characterization grid -- Quadrant I-The physical examination--Quadrant II-The role of science in object characterization -- Quadrant III-Non material aspects of the object -- Quadrant IV-Lifetime of the cultural object -- Establishing the goal of treatment -- The concept of the ideal state -- Values analysis, the timeline, and the ideal state -- Determining the realistic goal of treatment -- Preservation and the goal of treatment -- Traditional conservation concepts and the methodology -- Choosing a treatment -- Choice of treatment materials -- Choice of treatment methods -- Documentation and treatment -- The purposes of treatment documentation -- Creating treatment documentation -- Treating the object.