The first of five articles describing the corrosion of the Statue of Liberty and the steps taken to restore in. Includes a description of the corrosion of the copper panels and the development of the patina. The restoration process is discussed including preliminary laboratory and atmospheric corrosion trials. Most of the iron armature has been replaced with stainless steel. The external surface has been cleaned of rust, coal tar streaks and paint. The patina has been preserved. -- AATA