Some years ago it was desired to measure normal stress components in viscometric flows of lubricating greases since it was thought that flow elasticity might be a relevant property in grease lubrication processes. An attempt at measurement was made with the cone-and-plate configuration of theWeissenberg rheogoniometer. Since greases are prone to fracture in this device the initial tests were carried out at very low rates of shear to avoid fracture. These tests revealed the existence of unusual effects which are ascribed to interactions between the instrument and the yield stress property. At high rates of shear it is possible to show the existence of normal stresses in greases but their measurement cannot be carried out accurately. Fracture and shear degradation occur; furthermore, the zero of the normal stress measurement is uncertain to within an amount proportional to the yield stress. Procedures for minimizing inaccuracies are discussed.