Here's the latest version of that list.

 I think.

Jim

>----------
>From:  Jodi Evans[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
>Sent:  Tuesday, August 26, 1997 2:41PM
>To:    [log in to unmask]
>Subject:       Hazardous Artifacts
>
>Hey folks,
>
>     A collection of cartoon printing plates recently surfaced in my museum
>collection. The artist, Jay N. "Ding" Darling (1872-1962) was a nationally
>syndicated political cartoonist with the Des Moines (IA) Register from 1906
>until 1949, winning two Pulitzer Prizes and numerous other awards for his
>work.
>     According to a 1923 inventory of donors there are 2,343 plates
>@1917-1923 which have been stored in paper envelopes and wood crates since
>1923.
>        My initial plan when I stumbled across the crates was to remove the
>plates
>from the envelopes, photocopy the image printed on the envelope, remove the
>surface dirt and re-house the plates in new archival envelopes and boxes.
>Given the number of plates this seemed a time-consuming but relatively
>simple task.  As you might guess, the task is still time-consuming but not
>simple anymore.
>        We think the plates are zinc with a concentration of lead and some
>are
>degrading.  The envelopes are quite brittle and covered with dust, coal
>soot and possibly asbestos.  According to information received from the
>Conservators discussion list, to remove the surface dirt will require
>respirators, suction, and disposal of hazardous materials. We must be very
>careful not to contaminate ourselves or the work area.
>        While these plates and printed envelopes may be the only known images
>of
>the most of these cartoons, they do not exist in a vacuum.  The publication
>information and images printed on the envelopes correspond to a card
>catalog prepared in the 1930s of 1940s of over 4000 image descriptions. I
>do not know where the other plates are, nor do I know the location of the
>original drawings or proofs.  My goal is to inventory and catalogue the
>plates then match plate and printed image to the descriptions in the card
>catalog.  To do this I must handle the plates and envelopes. Knowing what's
>involved, I am reluctant to endanger my health or that of my colleagues.
>Gone are the days of inventory and cataloguing older collections when
>blowing my nose at the end of the day yielded what appeared to be mud.  At
>the same time I am reluctant to give up on saving these artifacts and
>associated information.  These images are unique and every professional
>fiber of my being insists that the information must be saved.  Also,
>
>        So, friends, I'm asking your advice on a number of issues:
>                a.  Thoughts on how to preserve the printing plates
>                b.  Thoughts on how to extract the information without
>endangering                      anyone
>                c.  Thoughts on where we as museum professionals draw the
>line when                     it
>comes to collecting/preserving hazardous materials
>
>Sorry for any cross-postings, and TIA
>
>Jodi Evans
>Registrar
>State Historical Society of Iowa
>600 E. Locust
>Des Moines, Iowa  50319
>515/281-3295
>