The document must facilitate communication. The initial thought was to develop a document specifically for the restorer, to be prescriptive and satisfy the technical aspects of conservation at a practical level. With time, a concern developed about individuals who might have important requirements other than the restorer and there would be difficulties relating to an isolated standard. The document is presently related to experience with limited types of instruments used in the surveying profession. Add the hundreds of instruments from all scientific endeavors and the list becomes extensive.
Preservation is a long term concept.
Conservators tend to specialize in a narrow field but gain intimate knowledge about materials and treatments. A standard of practice could be a focal point for dissemination of important information on conservation techniques and current practice. For the most part these details are easily captured for reference. The collection of more intimate detail provides historical advantage and a sensitive exposure to the work of the maker throughout his life. Studies which provide historical advantage essentially are never complete.