Friedrich Rathgen (1862-1942) was the first director of the Chemical Laboratory of the Royal Museums of Beriin, which was founded in 1888. During his 39 years of activity for the museums of Berlin, Rathgen concentrated his work flrst of all on the improvement of conservation techniques. He also studied the composition and technology of historical objects. Several books and more than 60 publications resulted. His exemplary efforts for the museums of Beriin now are honored by giving his name to the recently established research laboratory of the Staatliche Museen Preussischer Kulturbesitz.