The damaging effects of an uncontrolled environment on artifacts and art objects are well known. There are many examples where low humidity has caused wood or ivory to crack and where high light levels have faded textiles and watercolours with fugitive dyes and pigments.
Accurate information is essential to evaluate the extent and urgency of any environmental problem.
It is only after collecting the data can the exact solution to the problem be determined. The equipment needed to monitor the environment is relatively expensive, and may be beyond the budget of many institutions. Although less expensive instruments for this purpose do exist, they often lack the accuracy and sensitivity to monitor the conditions in museums adequately. A psychrometric slide rule and an instruction manual are also included. The manual, includes instructions on preparing a schematic diagram of your facility as well as photographs of the equipment is written in such a way that those who are unfamiliar with the equipment can obtain accurate readings.