White gloves

D.R. Grauberger <graubec8231<-a t->uni< . >edu> writes

>....... My situation is that I need a good reference, in plain
>English, and preferably with pictures to convince them of the need
>for them to wear the white gloves as they work with the collection
>pieces. Perhaps something that demonstrates how a fingerprint can
>eventually burn itself into a metal object, or other example of
>metal damage by skin oils.

I heard this story, likely apocryphal, some years ago:

Eastman Kodak used a "touch test" as part of their hiring
procedures--candidates who wished to work in a production area were
asked to handle silver slips, undeveloped film, or some other
sensitive material. It seemed that some folks had a body chemistry
which generated oils that would damage sensitive metals, while
others were "safe", and could be hired. Only a test would reveal
this.

True or not, I found this story was a very useful tool to instill a
respect for negatives when I taught photography some years ago.
Perhaps it will help explain the dangers to your model railroad
buffs.

Jerry Shiner
Forever Yours Bridal Gown Preservation
& Keepsafe Systems Inc.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 10:90
                  Distributed: Tuesday, April 22, 1997
                       Message Id: cdl-10-90-009
                                  ***