[en] The properties of thermoluminescence glow curves, containing one or more glow peaks, have been determined for situations where the assumptions invoked to obtain the usual first and second order kinetics do not apply. First order kinetics occurs only when retrapping is negligible. If more than one glow peak is present and retrapping occurs between different types of traps the glow peaks can be approximated, except in the wings, by the usual first and second order expressions; but often physically unrealistic parameters are obtained. These studies indicate that dating is best accomplished with minerals exhibiting first order kinetics. 6 figures, 1 table