An apparatus for the observation of the Kerr electro‐optic effect in liquids and polymers using microsecond electrical pulses, is presented and evaluated. This method offers a convenient way of studying internal motions and molecular configurations of polymeric material with a minimum of heating usually accompanying these observations. Electrical pulses of from 1‐ to 1000‐microsecond width, 60–1000 p.p.s., at amplitudes up to 5000 volts are generated by conventional methods. These pulses are used to orient low molecular weight and polymeric materials placed between the plates of a condenser. The circular polarization induced in the polarized light passing between the plates actuates a photo‐multiplier tube in order that the light pulses may be studied with an oscillograph.Curves of Kerr constantversustemperature at temperatures to −80°C are compared with the literature. Oscillograms showing the response of several liquids and polymers are shown. Oscillograms showing an interesting difference between orientation and relaxation time are presented, as are oscillograms showing clearly both orientation and distortion polarization simultaneously.