"The first section explains physical and chemical properties that are important in the conservation process, i.e. application, aging, reversal. The topics covered include molecular weight, glass transition temperature, solubility and solvents, polymerisation and degradation reactions. The second section provides detailed consideration of the individual materials, current and obsolete, used in conservation, drawing out the factors relevant to their effects on objects. The conservation uses of each material are summarized and referenced to allow further study"--Publisher's description.