The author states the purpose of the essay as an attempt to throw light on the theoretical and practical applications of ethics in conservation. The discussion covers these subjects: ethics, the object, interpretation, conservation and preservation, general problems of ethics, and ethics in particular fields. The last category is divided into: practical conservation, conservators; teaching, training, institutions, teachers, students; adminis trative personnel, directors; publications, authors, editors; research, interpretation, documentation; critical comments, reviews; archaeologists; collectors, dealers. Finally a list of questions on problems that need to be further discussed in the profession is offered.