There are three primary causes for the deterioration of cellulose nitrate under generally ambient conditions, i.e. thermal effects, radiation and acid catalyzed ester hydrolysis. Their mechanisms and secondary causes of decomposition are analyzed in depth. The familiar and notorious rapid decomposition of old cellulose nitrate film has resulted from misdirected attempts of early manufacturers to stabilize this product with organic amines. 60 year old film without this treatment was shown to be in remarkably unchanged condition. The study examined the use of cellulose nitrate as an adhesive for ceramics and as a coating for silver objects in separate chapters. It was concluded that ceramic antiquities reconstructed since 1920 with cellulose nitrate as the adhesive are not likely to fall apart as readily as some conservators fear but it might be prudent for them to use acrylic polymers for future work. However for coating metals the ease of applying and removing cellulose nitrate and its exceptional solvent release and appearance make it the material of choice.