ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Very few information is available concerning the composition of the atmosphere in the cities during past periods until Industrial Revolution but also concerning its action on ancient glass and stained glass. Nevertheless, the presence on stained glass of crusts containing wood debris (charcoal) indicates that this past atmosphere was loaded with particles originating from the combustion of wood. Leaching and corrosion currently observed on stained glass unsheltered from rain cannot easily be related to ancient phenomena because of the cumulative effects of modern pollution added to past effects.
