Dr Rathgen has, in his preface, stated the aim of this handbook, and it is with a desire to further this aim that we have prepared an English translation.
Claiming but limited experience in this field of research we have only added such explanatory notes as seem in some way to bear upon the subject or likely to be useful in a handbook of this kind (viz. the method of taking squeezes, Appendix A, and a few footnotes which are signed and enclosed in square brackets). We take this opportunity of thanking Dr Rathgen for his interest in our undertaking, for his kindness in supplying much additional matter which did not appear in the German edition, and also for the loan of the blocks for Figs. 22 and 23. Figs. 7, 9-12, 30-33, and 37, are from photographs of objects treated by ourselves.
Our thanks are especially due to Dr W. A. Caspari, of the National Physical Laboratory, for his invaluable help in the revision of the translation, and for his advice and suggestions in reference to the more technical aspect of the work.
The changes undergone by antiquities in earth and in air 1
i. Preservation of objects composed of inorganic substances
Appendix: Cement for earthenware. Restorations 87
1. Methods of preserving objects of iron without removal of the rust 89
2. Preservation by steeping and subsequent impregnation 92
3. Preservation by removal of the rust 102
4. Preservation of medieval iron objects 119
Cleaning copper coins with melted lead 143
Appendix: Method of bringing out worn lettering 146 upon coins
Preservation and cleaning of coloured objects of wood 161
Care of antiquities after preservative treatment 162
Appendix A. Method of taking squeezes of inscriptions 166
1. Limestone block with well-preserved surface 3
3. Limestone block showing destruction of surface 4
4. Potsherd showing saline efflorescence 5
5. Pottery showing sodium nitrate efflorescence 6
6. Portion of horse-trappings showing blue and green patina 35
7. Head of Osiris showing advanced condition of warty patina 38
8. Etruscan mirror showing warty patina 40
9. } { 42 } Bronze figure showing destructive patina { 10. } { 43
11. } { 44 } The same after treatment (Finkener's method) { 12. } { 45
15. Apparatus for impregnation by extraction of air 69