Tetraethyl orthosilicate or ethyl silicate or ortho silicate is a versatile new chemical for use in the conservation of organic remains from waterlogged archaeological sites. Its uses represents a new approach to the problem of wood and fiber preservation in that it simulates the process of natural conservation by silica impregnation. Excellent results occur with the use of the chemical for a variety of materials, not only from waterlogged sites, but also from sites where damp or moist materials must also be treated by conservation methods.