The study and conservation of museum collections calls for the application of scientific methodology in the examination, analysis, and dating of objects. Because the nature of these objects makes sampling undesirable, and often even impossible, museum laboratories look for new nondestructive techniques, which can be adopted for their use. Chemical analysis of museum objects, including trace element analysis, can provide information regarding provenance as well as the technology employed in the preparation of the materials and the manufacture of the objects. A very sensitive and precise analysis may thus provide a chemical fingerprint of an object, a school, or a cultural group. Detailed and precise chemical analysis can also provide insight into the processes involved in the deterioration of the materials of museum objects. Analytical requirements for the various types of materials of interest in museum research are discussed along with the classical analytical techniques widely used in museum research. -- AATA