B26 · Reference edition 2026.11
Material descriptions — Definition and boundaries
A material record separates supplier wording, observable structure and documented properties. Descriptive colour is not a conservation property.
Scope and purpose
Start by separating the named concept from adjacent concepts. Use the observation below to identify the question the record is intended to answer. Read the caution before applying the example. A definition is useful only when another reader can tell what falls outside it.
Working notes
This collection describes enclosure forms, access routes and documentation practices for paper-based material. It is intended for reading and planning, not for directing treatment of fragile objects. Fold diagrams and record examples are original illustrations with no associated collection or accession data. Material descriptions distinguish observed features from documented properties. Decisions about a real object, its condition and its environment require the relevant professional judgement.
Practical example
Record the source of a material statement and leave unsupported fields explicitly unconfirmed.
| Reference record | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| B26 | Material descriptions |
| Scope and purpose | A material record separates supplier wording, observable structure and documented properties. Descriptive colour is not a conservation property. |
| Limits and interpretation | Do not infer chemical suitability from a trade name or visual appearance. |
Review checklist
Write a one-sentence scope statement; identify a neighbouring concept; record what the example does not establish.