Abstract: The invention relates to a combustion apparatus for elementary analysis. Solid material samples contained in small tubes are introduced into the combustion apparatus by means of an automatic inserting device. The automatic inserting device is provided with an automatic loading device for the small tubes. In order to keep the dimensions of the combustion apparatus within reasonable limits and nevertheless to permit the largest possible quantities of sample material which are representative for the material to be investigated, the quartz tube serving to burn the sample material and extending through a main combustion zone is of circuitous shape, preferably in the form of a coil. For the purpose of burning liquid samples, use is made of a plug having a through bore, said plug serving to close the receiving aperture of the quartz tube. Said through bore is closed by means of a plastic material which is adapted to be penetrated by an injection needle serving to inject the liquid sample material.