This bibliography is a result of research into the published sources which might form the basis of a general history of techniques and materials in the arts. Fine arts are emphasized, with specialized texts on topics such as dyeing of textiles, glassmaking, or metallurgy omitted for the most part. The earliest written sources do not deal specifically with art materials, but indicate the materials with which humans were familiar. The earliest treatises on art materials, from classical antiquity, do not survive, but their existence can be inferred from the writing of later authors such as Pliny. The early medieval literature is poorly organized as it consists primarily of copies by scribes of earlier documents. During the later medieval period, some original works emerged. From the 14th century on, artists' handbooks began to appear. These dealt with the range of materials and techniques used by different types of artists. The compiler acknowledges that the bibliography is incomplete, and that it is drawn largely from secondary sources, especially a two volume work by John Ferguson, Bibliographical Notes on Histories of Inventions and Books of Secrets (reprinted 1959).