The Charter of Venice did not so much initiate scientific research as stimulate and support such work. This it achieves in the spirit rather than the letter. Research must always be directed to the specific object but at the same time related to the broader field. Research on authenticity must be complemented by a proper record of current work on monument preservation. Finally, scientific laboratories must be established for carrying out this work, and the scientific standards of their workers must be constantly improved, in order to ensure the continuation of valid research. -- AATA