Our whole world is scientifically based on physical laws, chemical reactions and biological principles. It is a common principle governing as well the origin of the earth as the functioning of our body or the survival of cultural heritage.
Conservation of heritage is a complex matter where physics, chemistry and biology all fulfil a complex role. Therefore it is important to have a better insight in the mechanisms involved.
In this section we will try to develop a better insight in the matter. We want to emphasize specific elements which play a role in, for example, the composition of materials and deterioration or resistance against deterioration. Some times we will use very basic knowledge such as simplified models for physical and chemical processes. For those people who want to know more about a subject we will provide more extensive information or point them to other information sources.
A lot of information is available concerning the ageing of materials or their deterioration by harmful agents. We want to get an insight in “Why does this happen?” and “How does it work?”. A better insight in underlying mechanisms gives us the possibility to better assess causes and allows us to intervene in a much more adequate way than if we would not understand these mechanisms.
For scientists this approach may seem scientifically light, but the target public are in the first place people who are involved or interested in the (daily) care of collections, such as policy makers, exhibition scenarists, cultural heritage staff, conservators and volunteers.
This work is a work in evolution. Over time more and more topics will be explored and added. Rome and Paris were not built in one day, and neither is it possible with this work.
If you have suggestions or questions, please feel free to contact us using the contact form.
Animation - DNA double helix