Includes bibliographical references and index.

Characterizing the object -- The characterization grid -- Quadrant I -The physical examination--Quadrant II-The role of science in object ch aracterization -- Quadrant III-Non material aspects of the object -- Qu adrant IV-Lifetime of the cultural object -- Establishing the goal of t reatment -- The concept of the ideal state -- Values analysis, the tim eline, and the ideal state -- Determining the realistic goal of treatme nt -- Preservation and the goal of treatment -- Traditional conservatio n concepts and the methodology -- Choosing a treatment -- Choice of tre atment materials -- Choice of treatment methods -- Documentation and tr eatment -- The purposes of treatment documentation -- Creating treatmen t documentation -- Treating the object.