The field of early music has developed in the past 20 years through the efforts of people who were permitted to touch, measure, and play historic instruments. However, those activities are potentially dangerous to old instruments. Lambrechts-Douillez suggests that music museums avoid the need for much of the handling of instruments by publishing restoration reports, plans, and radiographs. She also suggests that museums require advance written application for the privilege of handling historic instruments. -- AATA