Short synopses of the following lectures are given: R.L. Sykes, the principles of tanning; R. Thomson, the history of leather processing from the medieval to the present time; C. Bickley, vegetable tanning; C.N. Calnan, the influence of structure on leather properties; A.W. Landmann, the role of lubricants in maintaining leather condition; W.R. Dyson, a review of leather dyes and pigments; R. Thomson, a review of surface coatings and finishes; C.N. Calnan, ageing of vegetable tanned leather under the action of heat and moisture; P. Hancziwskya, the variation in skin properties in natural history specimens; D.M. Lewis, photochemical degradation of protein; C. Clarkson, leather deterioration as seen by a conservation bookbinder; B.M. Haines, natural ageing of leather in libraries; C. Chahine, recent research on acidic deterioration of skin and leather; and B.M. Haines, accelerated deterioration of leather bookbindings in a deterioration chamber.