The rates of erythrocyte settling have been investigated in round and square cross-section tubes, vertically; and at nine different angles; and with the square tubes flat and on edge, to a minimum of 15° from the horizontal. Apparent settling rates increased as the angle from the horizontal decreased. Real settling rates (vertical settling rates) increased sharply on decreasing the angle from the horizontal, to a maximum at about 60°, and then decreased less abruptly for the shallower angles. The cross-sectional shape of the tube did not significantly affect the settling rates of erythrocytes. Settling in inclined tubes proceeds fast enough to permit clinical erythrocyte settling rate (E.S.R.) tests to be carried out in 10 min in place of the usual 60 min. If the standard E.S.R. test rack deviates as little as 5° from the vertical it can cause the observed settling rates to double relative to readings obtained on a vertical rack.