Because photographic conservation is a new and sometimes experimental field and direct treatment is often not feasible, preservation measures by archivists and curators are very important. They can assess the value and degree of uniqueness of their collections; control the environment (RH and air purity); and provide protective packaging of archival materials free of sulfur and peroxides. The preservation problems, both structural and image-related, of salt, albumen, collodion and gelatin prints are described. Very few of the testing and treatment methods advocated in the current literature are necessary, effective and non-damaging. The Kodak tests for residual silver and hypo leave unremovable stains and yield inconclusive results in most cases because of non-uniform distribution of residual chemicals, especially in older prints. The author tested 60 silver gelatin snapshots from 1920-1950 and found very few with significant staining from residual silver; however, 90% showed the presence of residual thiosulfate. Washing alone was nearly as effective in removing it as was the most effective treatment, which was refixing, hypoclearing, hypo eliminating and washing. See also AATA 20-1620.