Discussions carried on in several meetings of a group of colleagues from the natural sciences and the humanities have led to a catalogue of scientific and technical criteria to use in describing pottery from historical times. The catalogue is designed to assist in making a precise and complete recording of the material and method of manufacture of historical pottery. Besides the results of the discussions, previously published suggestions of other study groups as well as other ideas for recording pottery are included in the catalogue. The guidelines for recording cover the description of the fabric as seen at the fracture, description of the surface of the sherd and techniques used in forming and decorating vessels. The latter includes glazes as well. A short introduction to the basic and necessary requirements as well as the possibilities of field-work and laboratory-analysis of ceramics is added. The given informations together with an appendix of addresses should facilitate further interdisciplinary collaboration.