An electrothermal atomization furnace comprises a tubular furnace body (10) with contact projections (12, 14) arranged on opposite sides and having contractions (56, 58) adjacent to cylindrical contact elements (24, 26) with conical contact surfaces (28, 30). A platform for receiving sample can be placed in the furnace which is only indirectly heated by the furnace. Further, curent-supplying contacts are provided for holding the furnace and through which current is passed transversely through the furnace body. The contacts form a cavity into which inert gas is introduced.