A newly developed device for loading samples into an autosampler attached to an elemental analyzer is described and evaluated. The purpose of the device is to reduce the time and number of errors experienced when loading samples into an autosampler. Tests show that the new device saves time when loading samples and, more importantly, reduces the chance of losing samples. In addition to analyzing the elemental components (e.g. % carbon and % nitrogen) and the elemental ratios (e.g. C/N) of a sample, the stable isotopic composition (e.g. delta C-13 and delta N-15) can also be determined when an EA is attached to a stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.