This book presents the state of the art in paleontological field and laboratory methods as of the mid-1930s. Paleontological analysis actually begins while the fossil is still in place. Subsequent techniques used in removing the specimen to the lab differ depending on the nature of the material. A general introduction to this volume discusses what fossils are, where they occur, the history of fossil collecting, and how to outfit a paleontological expedition (don't forget the sourdough). Part one of the main volume contains a discussion field and laboratory methods for vertebrate fossils. Excavating, jacketing, and shipping are among the topics covered, with ample illustrations provided. The discussion of laboratory methods refers to the materials used to prepare specimens; this information may be of interest to conservators working with paleontological collections dating to the 1930s. Restoration through modeling and casting are also discussed. A note on paleobotanical collecting follows the vertebrates section. The second major section deals with invertebrate paleontology, a field that was expanding in the 1930s due to oil exploration. Collection and exploration in different kinds of rocks and for different kinds of fossils (micro vs. macro fossils) are discussed. Preparation of slides of micro fossils (which may, as of 1989, be in need of conservation treatment) is also covered.