INTRODUCTION
The Department of Conservation of the Fogg Museum of Art has
for many years made a study of the materials and processes of paint-
ing. These studies have included the fields of chemistry, microscopy,,
physics, and the use of infra-red and ultra-violet rays. Also special
investigation has been made of the use of the x-ray in the examina-
tion of paintings and to a lesser extent of sculpture and bronze- All
these methods of research have been useful in dealing with problems
of restoration and of conservation and in the detection of forgeries*
We feel that such research is valuable in many ways: in the his-
torical examination of the processes and materials of the past; in
the study and detection of forgeries in the present; and in the inquiry
into the scientific care and restoration of works of art.
Finally it is important for the creative artists of today, who
must understand sound processes and know how to choose permanent
materials if their work is to endure. The various scientific approaches
supply information and data bearing on all of these fields.
Mr George L. Stout has for many years been the head of the
Department of Conservation, and associated with him has been Mr
Rutherford J. Gettens, chemist and Fellow for Technical Research in
the Fogg Art Museum. Mr Stout has been the editor of Technical
Studies in the Field of the Fine Arts. He and Mr Gettens have both
written many articles in this magazine embodying the results of
their work.
It is encouraging to see that so many artists are beginning to take
a real interest in technical problems. We feel that there is a need for
a book which will co-ordinate in easily available form a large amount
of knowledge and research in methods of painting. This field is at-
tracting increasing attention among the art lovers of the world, and
it is hoped that the growing number of inquiring minds which are
eager for information will find this encyclopaedia valuable.
EDWARD W* FORBES