Philosophic reflections, especially of the present, offer the points of reference necessary for a discussion on the principles of restoration. They set the standard against which we must gauge changes in restoration procedures and general attitudes in art conservation. Applying historical thought, exercising prudence and waiving at the right moment are decisive requirements for conservation protection. As history has shown, discovery means opportunity and danger at one and the same time. Employing conservative measures also implies losing the protection of the cover and the patina. One the one hand they afford curatorial protection; on the other hand, adaptation can harbor destruction and ultimately the threat of damage due to scientific inquisitiveness and subsequent ignorance increases an account of them. It is a sign of prudent conservation to leave an object untouched and safe in the security of the stale it has developed to and to suppress curiosity -- even vanity.