Although X-ray microanalysis in the electron microscope is the most common method for microanalysis of biological specimens, other methods of elemental microanalysis (electron energy loss spectroscopy, scanning Auger microanalysis, and proton, ion, and laser microprobe analysis) may provide important complementary information and help overcome some of the limitations of electron probe X-ray microanalysis. Despite differences in physical principles and instrumentation, the various microanalytical methods have much in common with regard to specimen preparation, quantitative analysis, and interpretation of analytical data. A common approach to microanalytical problems in the biological sciences, irrespective of the analytical techniques used, seems therefore indicated.