Looking through both sides of the lens: why scientists and conservators should know each other's business

The work of the conservation scientist and that of the conservator are intimately linked. Productive and accurate results are only gained through the combination of both analytical skills and empirical knowledge of materials and their history. When these aspects are not combined or when the expectations held by one group of the other are unrealistic, misinterpretations abound. Clarifying the limitations of both empirical knowledge and that of analytical techniques is paramount in any collaborative venture between a scientist and a conservator. This paper presents a number of case studies where such limitations were not recognized and illustrate the ogten complex discussions that are required to assure accurate results and sound interpretations of those results.