Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the gas content of inorganic conductive and semiconductive elements and compounds having a low sublimation temperature, in which a melt of the substance in a crucible has a pressure approximately equal to the saturation vapor pressure maintained above the melt with a high vacuum maintained in the extraction chamber. In the disclosed embodiment, this is accomplished in a gas extraction system which can be evacuated and in which is contained a graphite crucible used as a sample vessel with means for heating the crucible by direct passage of current with the crucible having a conically fitted and drilled graphite cover into which a sintered filter is pressed for maintaining the pressure above the melt.