The concept of conservation is defined and the phases it encompasses, such as scientific examination, the practical treatment of objects, the preservation of objects and their restoration, are examined. In discussing the term restoration the individualism of the object and its authenticity are considered. The history of restoration over the last several centuries is outlined. The international organizations dealing with conservation, IIC, ICOM, ICOMOS, and ICCROM, are briefly described. Fundamental principles which have been established to guide the conservation effort, the result of several international meetings throughout the years, are listed. These and similar principles were published in the Venice Charter and the Murray Pease Report. An increased awareness in recent years of the need for systematic education in conservation is noted. International recognition of the need for education in conservation at the university level is growing. Several of the educational programs in conservation offered by universities and institutes around the world are mentioned. A school of conservation was founded in Greece in 1985. -- AATA