Deals with decision-making for conservation treatments. This book proposes a series of explicit steps that can be applied to the treatment of various cultural properties. It brings conservation theory firmly into the practical realm. It also introduces terminology that facilitates discussion of treatment options with non-conservators.

Conservation students and museum curators will also find this book a valuable resource.

Introduction
The Characterization grid
Quadrant I: The Physical examination
Quadrant II: The Role of science in object characterization
Quadrant III: Characterizing the object: non-material aspects
Quadrant IV: Lifetime of the cultural object
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
Choice of materials
Choice of methods
Purposes of documentation
Creating documentation
Treating the object