In a message dated 97-12-16 07:38:37 EST, you write:

> I think that we could have
>  learned so much more regarding old buildings themselves--building
>  techniques, mortar analysis (!), what to do when the foundation cracks and
>  the 50 year old electrical wiring starts to smoke -- real hands on stuff.
>  I know enough to call someone, but not enough to know what my options are.
>  (I know read, read, read! ask! ask! ask!) She stated that being able to
>  research, write historical and architectural descriptions was also an
>  important skill in the field.

The longer I am in this field, the more I appreciate that it is a profession
that encompasses just about every specialty one can imagine - law, history,
architecture, design, politics, real estate development, construction,
conservation, engineering -- I was going to omit radiology, but even that
field is now coming to prominence with non-invasive testing techniques!

There is no chance that any one person can be proficient in all fields,
thereby necessitating teamwork.  I suppose that other professions required
cooperative effort each in their own way, but seldom does one find the need
for the wide range of skills that are required for preservation projects.
Fascinating stuff -- it certainly keeps you on your toes and constantly
learning more about the world.

Mary Krugman