The composition of wood and the changes effected by prolonged submersion and biological attack are quantified. A proposed method for consolidation has these phases: (a) the wood is kept in water from the excavation site; (b) mineral accretions are removed, at least from the surface; (c) the water is replaced in an acetone bath; (d) the acetone-impregnated piece is immersed in a solution of chromic anhydride (90 g), sodium bichromate (300 g), nacl (15 g) in water (1000 ml); (e) a water wash eliminates any color left by the solution; (f) acetone and impregnation baths are repeated if necessary; (g) fixing is done in a bath of acrylic resin/ acetone; (h) the object is air dried.