The analysis of materials has proved to be an indispensable technique for the correct description of archaeological, art-historical, and ethnological objects. From the precise description of the material - for instance, the composition of copper alloys, the mineral content of ceramics, or the trace elements in inorganic pigments - the place and date of origin of historical objects frequently can be deduced with great accuracy. Chemical analysis also is of great importance for the identification of forgeries of works of art. See also <i>AATA</i> <b>Vol. 17, Abstract No. 1603,</b> PARIS No. 84581 and <b>Vol. 18, Abstract No. 879, </b> PARIS No. 81911. -- AATA