B28 · Reference edition 2026.11
Material descriptions — Comparison and alternatives
A material record separates supplier wording, observable structure and documented properties. Descriptive colour is not a conservation property.
Scope and purpose
Compare alternatives using the same question and context. A difference in wording, layout or scale is not automatically a difference in performance. Keep the original observations available and explain which differences are meaningful for this comparison.
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 |
|---|---|
| B28 | 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
State the comparison question; align context and labels; list common features separately from differences; leave unsupported conclusions open.