Assesses the contribution of laboratory work and methods to the discipline of conservation-restoration of cultural heritage. Chemical methods of investigation comprise two broad subgroups: destructive and non-destructive methods. The first group includes separation (paper, gaseous); atomic and molecular methods; and classic chemical analysis - volumetric and gravimetric analysis. The second classification incorporates optical (microscopy, photography, etc.), atomic (x-ray diffraction), and nuclear analyses (isotopic, thermoluminescence). Concludes that the importance of a multidisciplinary and non-rigid approach in conservation-restoration is essential. -- ICCROM