A simple cryostat for obtaining the spectra of solutions and rigid glasses over the temperature range ∼80-300°K is described. Designed specifically for the Cary Model 14 spectrophotometer, the cryostat has features that enable the experimenter to control, by annealing, the optical properties of the glasses formed and to regulate the temperature closely. Also described is an optical solution cell design which permits fast warm-up of the samples without costly breakage.