Archaeology may be defined as the science which yields information and develops theories about past human activity by means of a study of ancient material remains. As a general rule the archaeologist is much more interested in the form or style of such remains than in their chemical composition, for this may often have little or no archaeological significance. For example, the form of flint implements may be an important index to the cultural status of a certain group of early people, but it is improbable that any significant information from the standpoint of archaeology could be obtained from an investigation of the chemical composition of the flint of such implements. But sometimes important archaeological information may be obtained by a study of the chemical composition of material remains. This information may supplement that obtained from a study of form or style, or it may be entirely new information not otherwise obtainable. The purpose of this paper is to indicate by means of general categories, specific illustrative examples, and a select bibliography how chemical facts, methods, and theories have been and may continue to be applied to the study of the material remains of past human activity for the purpose of furthering archaeological science. Also indicated are miscellaneous ways in which chemistry may be useful to the field and to the museum archaeologist. For the most part, the illustrative examples are based upon the writer's own experience, though some mention is made of pertinent work of other investigators.