An experimental study has been carried out for the purpose of verifying theoretical predictions concerning the relations between total absorptivities and total emissivities for transparent gases. The experimental conditions have been designed in such a way as to permit a direct check of theoretical relations derived for (a) nonoverlapping dispersion lines and (b) spectral lines with sufficient pressure broadening to permit neglect of the rotational fine structure. A comparison between the emissivities derived from absorptivity measurements and emissivities calculated from the spectroscopic constants of CO shows a good agreement (within 20% for most of the temperature range).The apparatus for the measurement of total gas absorptivities is described. Results for total absorptivities of carbon monoxide measured at temperatures between 300 and 500°K are given and total emissivities have been calculated in the temperature range of 300 to 1600°K. The range of total gas pressure is 0 to 515 psia.