Abstract: The invention relates to a multielement atomic absorption spectrometer for simultaneously performing measurements for determining both one element and a plurality of elements under optimum conditions. The atomic absorption spectrometer comprises at least two lamps respectively emitting lines of at least one analyte element, a furnace heating the analyte sample into its atomized state, at least one optical dispersion element having an entrance slit arranged upstream thereof, detector elements, as well as means for passing radiation emanating from the lamps through the furnace, through the entrance slit and the dispersion element to the detector elements, and measuring means.