An analytical scheme is proposed for the whole of media, adhesives and old varnishes. Of special interest is the fraction of the constituents little or not altered by the process of ageing. Four analytical methods are used in succession: solubility tests, infra-red absorption spectrometry, thin layer chromatography and finally gas chromatography. The stages succeed one another in such a way that each type of material can be subjected to an unbiased study. The study details the identification of the polysaccharides, the proteins, the waxes, the resins, the tars and the oils that could be put to ancient usage. The separation of the various mixtures such as wax and resin or oil and resin is also envisagedThe method has been developed by its application to analyses -- AATA