Abstract: As in prior testers, a capacitive cell in which material is placed to be tested is connected in a voltage divider circuit. However, signal generating means connected to the voltage divider applies voltages at different predetermined frequencies selected for the material being tested, and frequency selective means connected to the cell develop voltages at the applied frequencies having values dependent on the impedance of the filled cell at the respective frequencies. These voltages developed across the cell are applied to a computer that provides an output according to an equation that has been derived statistically from many samples of the material being tested for the substance or quality of the material being measured.