Cathodic protection is a simple application of an old law. However, companies like Dow have spent millions tweaking materials to offer more protection. The key is finding the proper anode material. The material must be able to give electrons to the protected component. The rate at which it does this is also important, as it must be comparable to the rate at which the threatened material is being corroded. This may sound simple, but material science is not done. The fight against corrosion continues. The preservationist may appear on the other end- less worried about new innovations and more about using proven prevention techniques. But places once considered lost may be salvageable. If the preservation movement is aware of all the tools available to it in the fight to conserve, then more historic places can be saved.