I am preparing a survey of techniques currently being used
to evaluate the stability and inertness of materials used for
short- or long-term exhibition or storage of collection
objects.  These techniques are usually designed to directly
identify some potentially deleterious component in the
material such as sulfur (sodium azide test) or chlorine
(Beilstein test), or to indirectly detect the presence of
organic acids (Oddy or Hopwood tests).

I am interested in gauging the perceived need for such
testing, what techniques are being used, and under what
circumstances they are typically employed (e.g., long-term
exhibition of silver objects, or routinely).  Aggregate results
of this survey will be posted on this list, shared with other
conservation professionals, and considered as we begin to
expand our existing services for materials testing.
Individual responses will be held in confidence.

I encourage you to take a few moments to contact me
directly at [log in to unmask]  Thank you.

James Martin
Director of Analytical Services and Research
Williamstown Art Conservation Center
413/458-5741 (voice)
413/458-2314 (fax)