Advances in computer technology over the last 15 years have led to a signi®cant evolution in combustion calorimetric
instrumentation and methodology. Today highly automated combustion calorimeter systems are commercially available, that
free the operator from many of the tasks related to manually handling the bomb or other system components. In addition to the
obvious time savings offered by these automated systems, test results are much less dependent upon operator technique since
the instrument itself performs the majority of the tasks in a repeatable manner. This paper will highlight some of the more
innovative aspects of the Parr 1271 and 1281 calorimeters, contrasting them to more traditional approaches, where applicable.