Resumo

CONTRERAS VARGAS, Jannen. El camino de la fórmula: el caso del uso de tiourea para limpieza de plata. Intervención (Méx. DF) [online]. 2010, vol.1, n.1, pp.45-51. ISSN 2007-249X.

The use of thiourea for the cleaning of silver cultural heritage has not been absolutely convenient. Apart from having a 0-pH, as a result from the presence of clorhidric acid, which affects the conservation of the constituent materials, the bibliography indicates that its residues cannot be completely eliminated, that it forms secondary by-products, and that it might cause superficial micro-fissures. Hence, this article critics its use, as an example of the application of materials, that by habit -without investigating its consequences, its mechanisms of action, its interactions, and its secondary by-products- have lead to serious mistakes in the intervention. It additionally analyses the professional attitude that can place restoration as an art-craft: an activity that prioritizes manual skills and the application of formulas over the self-reflection and investigation. It concludes that a scientific thinking is indispensable for the discipline development.

Palavras-chave : Thiourea; Science; Office; Restoration; Investigation.