Abstract: A calorimeter includes sample and reference cells, a thermal shield surrounding these cells, a heating device thermally coupled to the thermal shield, temperature sensors for monitoring a temperature of the shield and a temperature differential between the shield and the cells, and a control system. The control system has an output line connected to the heating device and input lines to receive signals from the temperature sensors. The control system is configured to generate on its output line an output signal which is a function of both the input signals received on its input lines.