The matrix of bio-organic samples is composed primarily of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen. Dispersed within this matrix there is a wide spectrum of other elements whose local concentration can be measured in situ by x-ray spectroscopy. The analysis continues to present a challenge because most samples are highly hydrated, beam sensitive and of low density. In light of these restrictions there is only one sensible approach to the use of an analytical procedure which depends on the intereaction of high energy beam electrons with a labile specimen. Samples must be prepared by the least invasive preparative procedure and irradiated with the minimum amount of energy in order to obtain the maximun amount of chemical information. Low temperature sample preparation and low voltage electron beam instruments are central to these processes. By way of example, a brief description will be given of an on-going biological investigation which makes full use of these processes.