A chapter describing five functions of a conservation department attached to a museum serves to focus attention on essential requirements for a productive department about to be designed. Three dimensions of the design are best analyzed in detail with plentiful illustrations, these being: first, human needs -- furniture and facilities necessary for health and for optimum use of the senses; second, antiquities -- planning and furnishings needed for their safety; third, processes for the treatment of antiquities, discussing choice and construction of equipment for all principal types of treatment. Next follows three different syntheses: a single-purpose design; a general-purpose design; and a large adaptable department, designs that have been tested by construction and use. Notes on 24 kinds of equipment follow, discussing principles of construction and purpose sufficient to enable a sound choice of commercial items to be made for some specific purpose. Topics included abrasives, brushes, con trol of dust, electrical controlling devices, magnifiers, photography, dermatites and skin protection, toxicity of materials, supporting devices, lists of tools, design of trays. Refs., bibliog., and lists of suppliers complete a book intended for students, practicing conservators, museum administrators and architects. R. M. O. -- AATA