An absolute method that is without reference standards of spectral emission analysis with photoelectric recording is described. 5mg of sample is completely volatilised in a d.c arc and the light emitted recorded photoelectrically. Calibration curves for the individual elements need only to be determined once. Various additions to the glass being analysed were not found to have any definite effect on the results. The useful concentration range for analysis is almost 0-100% and the standard error for average contents is about 3% of actual value; the process can therefore be used quantitatively. Possibilities of improving precision of analysis are reviewed; for example local stabilisation of the arc (possibly by a stream of air) could improve performance.
