In the aftermath of Notre Dame fire, Science published an Editorial entitled “science for built heritage”. The Editorial, that appeared in the Science issue released on May 3, 2019, was signed by Jeremy C. Wells. The text was a claim on how can the natural and social sciences be better harnessed to conserve society's built heritage, and advocated for the full integration of natural and social sciences in the research and management of heritage. In spite of its references to the social dimension of heritage, the text reveals current misunderstandings and prejudices about the Humanities. It deserves a reply that places the social and human disciplines in a better position in within the current field of science. This was the aim of my response, that was released in the web of Science in May 13, 2019, as an eLetter.

Comment to: Jeremy C. Wells. Science for built heritage.Science 364(6439): 413 (2019). Http://doi.org/10.1126/science.aax8240

Peer reviewed