Abstract: A method of controlling spectroscopic analysis in which a sample in liquid concentrate form and containing an element of interest, is nebulized and carried into an analysis zone by pressurized support gas. The invention comprises regulating the flow rate of the support gas to control the density of atoms of the element present in the analysis zone so as to be within a measurable range. The flow of support gas controls sample uptake at the nebulizer, and that uptake is reduced by dividing the gas flow before the nebulizer so that one part by-passes the nebulizer but is nevertheless directed into the analysis zone so that the total gas flow to the analysis zone remains constant.