The operating conditions are described for the spectrochemical analysis of iron and C-steel, using solutions. These invariably furnish a better average sample than if solid electrodes are employed. Solutions are, moreover, always homogeneous and the most widely different material, of any shape, and also finished products, can always be investigated under the same conditions. The technique described is based on Scheibe and Rivas' method. As a light-source, however, we used the Pfeilsticker interrupted a.c. arc. The whole of the investigation was carried out with a Hilger medium spectrograph. The results are very satisfactory and prove that an apparatus of moderate dispersion can also serve very well for the spectrochemical analysis of steel. Analysis-lines and standardising tables are given for the determination of the contents of Ni, Mn, Cr, Co, Ti, Al, Mo, V, Zr, As, Cu, Nb, and Ta in pure iron or C-steel.