Subtitled <i>A Conservation Handbook for the Nonspecialist, this book discusses three aspects of specimen conservation in terms practical for small museums or those without staff conservators. Part I concerns specimen storage, security, fire protection, the environmental conditions that should and can be maintained, and the problems of packing for shipment. Part II advises on the importance of documenting specimens before treatment and suggests methods. It then tells how to set up and equip a workshop for applying the kinds of preservative treatment recommended. Part III devotes chapters to safe and practical first aid treatment for paper; wood; leather; ferrous objects; copper and its alloys; tin, pewter and lead; gold, silver and silvery appearing materials; textiles; ceramics; glass; bone, ivory and teeth; and stone. For each the author discusses the nature of the material, primary care and corrective measures for common forms of deterioration. Each chapter in the book has a list of suggested readings and, where appropriate, of supplier with addresses. Appendices give specific inforrnation on adhesives, abrasives, brushes and paints, and chemical names.