ABSTRACT
Many artifacts and other evidence of previous cultures are slowly disappearing. The lifetime of the art and artifacts that survive is affected by their material composition; their chemical, physical, and biological environments; and by treatments designed to preserve them (i.e., coatings, cleanings, etc.). The field of art conservation works to mitigate or minimize adverse effects in order to maintain and preserve artifacts as material documents of our historic and artistic heritage. Conservation is a complex area because the diversity of materials considered important ranges from seashells to entire city blocks, from rock art to modern paintings, and from ancient bronzes to plastic sculptures.
