Abstract: A polarographic analysis cell is described for analysis of a continuously flowing stream of liquid using a dropping mercury cathode technique. In a cell having an inlet and an outlet for throughflow of liquid, a shielded dropping mercury cathode is mounted, the cathode shield having the configuration of a funnel having an upper cup portion and a lower stem portion, the lower extremity of the stem terminating in a laterally-directed orifice which prevents entry into the shield of gas bubbles issuing from a gas diffuser also provided in the cell to diffuse deoxygenating inert gas into the cell during use.