Letters
Desperate for Timely Information? Sir: A complaint frequently voiced about published proceedings and many books (and indeed journals, but this is not relevant to my next comments) is found in Harry Svec's book review (Anal. Chem. 1982,54, 499 A; "Advances in Mass Spectrometry," Volumes 8A and 8B): The time taken to appear in print is too long. Well, despite many instances where such a product is successfully prepared in less than three months, it is curious and instructive that the sales curve is often found to peak between 8 and 16 months after release. I wish that those desperate for timely information were queuing outside publishers' front doors! Peter Williams Heyden & Son Ltd. Spectrum House, Hillview Gardens London NW4 2JQ, England
Career Opportunities in Forensic Science Sir: The value of a BS degree in forensic science over a BS degree in some natural science is, of course, an oftendiscussed question (Anal. Chem. 1982, 54(3), 449 A). Let me offer another view of this subject. The main reason many laboratory directors have problems with persons with a BS degree in forensic science is due to past experience, and not to the fact that "they're afraid they might hire someone who understands something." I recognize the problem with generalization. However, many BS degrees in forensic science are watered down science degrees. That is to say, often "specialized courses" such as microcrystal tests and arson analysis have been taken at the expense of more basic science courses. It is my opinion that specialization should be at the graduate level, not at the BS level, and that one's career might be better served with a BS degree in a natural science (chemistry, for example), followed by specialization. If the BS chemist wants to take some specialized courses to become familiar with the broad field of forensic science, that is fine. Likewise, other électives, such as com-
puterization, anthropology, and geology might be of great value. Obviously, a BS degree in forensic science that possesses the best of both would be desirable; however, this could necessitate the student spending an additional year or more at the BS level, when
that year might have been spent in a graduate program. R. C. Briner SEMO Regional Crime Laboratory Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701
MEDICAL HISTORY IN iTHE MAKING ' ' '
«is&r THE CHALLENGE: INNOVATIONS IN CHEMISTRY ANALYSIS I n n o v a t i o n t o o k us to $2+ billion and innovation will take us to new heights in the f u t u r e . If y o u ' r e a professional w h o is tuned into new p r o d u c t d e v e l o p m e n t and y o u ' r e a competitor at heart, consider A b b o t t f o r m a x i m u m career g r o w t h . O u r n e w v e n t u r e g r o u p will encompass a diverse professional team. The f o l l o w i n g openings are still available.
INSTRUMENTATION SCIENTIST W e seek an individual w i t h a strong research background involving p h y s i c a l m e a s u r e m e n t i n s t r u m e n t a t i o n . A P h . D . in Physics, BioEngineering or Bio-Physics and strong knowledge of chemistry, optics and electronics will be essential. Up to 5 years of industry experience is desired b u t not essential.
OPTICAL ENGINEER This p o s i t i o n involves the design of optical systems for chemical analysis i n s t r u m e n t a t i o n . The individual we seek will have a Ph.D. or MS in O p t i c a l Engineering, Physics or Electronics Engineering. 0-5 years of industrial experience involving physical optics, spectroscopy or d e v e l o p m e n t of optical systems for analytical instrumentation is preferred.
BIOCHEMIST This is an o u t s t a n d i n g o p p o r t u n i t y for an individual w i t h a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Bio-Analytical Chemistry, or Physical Chemistry. 0-5 years experience w i t h a background in enzymology, organic synthesis, p r o t e i n chemistry and instrumentation techniques is strongly desired. K n o w l e d g e of clinical laboratory procedures is also a plus. W e provide a truly competitive salary and benefits package that includes p r o f i t sharing and relocation assistance. A b b o t t Park, Abbott's headquarters, is located in an attractive suburban area on the Lake Michigan s h o r e l i n e , 30 miles n o r t h of Chicago. Send a resume including salary history in c o n f i d e n c e t o : Sue Hart-Wadley/Corporate Placement.
ABBOTT ABBOTT F»RK ILL. 6 0 0 6 4
Abbott is an Affirmative Action Employer
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY, V O L 54, NO. 7, JUNE 1982 · 777 A
