In the Doerner Institute in Munich, identities of materials used in art objects are scientifically established and this knowledge is applied in solving problems in restoration and conservation as well as in recognizing fakes. New scientific methods include physico-chemical examination, whereby tiny samples taken from an object can benon-destructively analyzed. The Institute mainly works on paintings but also on stone and metal objects. Thin sections of rock are examined under polarized light in conjunction with quantitative analysis to determine the composition of the minerals and the method suitable for restoration. For the scientific examination of paintings, mineralogical methods include establishment of the crystalline structure with X-ray diffraction and of optical qualities with the polarizing microscope. The Siemens-Halske Company, in cooperation with the Doerner Institute developed an X-ray chamber for making Debye-Scherrer pictures directly on a painting by analyzing a 1 mm² surface and obtaining the X-ray diffraction pattern. Where X-ray analysis is not possible, as in amorphous pigments, these are examined under the polarizing microscope. This method not only differentiates pigments but also indicates different origins of mineral pigments. The Doerner Institute developed a method whereby samples imbedded in artificial resin are polished to 0.03 mm thickness. These thin sections can be observed under transmitted and reflected light. Single grains can be detached and used for determination of refractive index and other physical data. These thin sections can also be used for quantitative analysis with the microprobe. -- AATA