Lundell Receives the Fisher Award HEMISTS everywhere are rejoicing at the signal honor bestowed on G. E. F. Lundell, former chief of the Chemistry Division of the Sational Bureau of
htandardi. in Atlantic City this month. ?econd recipient of the Fisher Award in Analytical hemistry, Dr. Lundell richly deserver the plaudits of his fellow scientists, not only for his many and varied scientific rontributions, but for the inspiring guidance afforded younger associates both in and out of the biireau. \Iuch of the gro\yth and influence of the Kational Biireau of Standards must be attributed to Dr. Lundell. Sacrificing an assured brilliant future as a teacher at (‘ornell, Dr. Lundell heeded the call of the renowned W.F. Hillebrand to assist in enlarging the scope of the bureau’s vork in analytical chemistry, and particularly the standard sample program. To a great extent the present international reputation of the bureau is due to the d i b e r of the man who headed its Chemistry Divisioii. Dr. 1,undell is more than just an able administrator. His unofficial title, “dean of the world’s inorganic analytical chemists,” has been earned by his scientific accomplishments. univerqally recognized by thousands, in the profeqsion of analytical chemistry. He ib not only an administrator and a scientist, but one of the world’s foremost authors in the field of analyticad chemistry. “Applied Inorganic Analysis,” begun in 1923 in eo-authorship with Dr. Hillebrand, \vas completed by Dr. Lundell in 1929 and is familiarly referred t o as the “analysts’ bible.” “The Chemical Analysi, of Iron and Steel,’’ w i t t e n jointly with €I. A. Blight arid J. I. Hoffman, and “Outlines of Xethods of C‘hemicul Analy&,” jointly authored Trith Dr. Hoffman, are ytandard works of reference in every analytical laboratory. A more recent volume, “A.S.T.11.Methods of Chemical Analysis of Xetals,” does not bear his name as author but owes its existence, nerertheless, largely to Dr. Lundell’s efforts in organizing Committee E-3 of the A.S.T.X. and to his leadership of the committee over a period of 13 years. The citation accompanying the Fisher An ard t o Dr. Lundell states in part : “for his direct contribution to
applied inorganic analysis by devising ne\v and improved old methods, and for his ability to train young men in the \rays of analytical chemistry.” Hi\ almost uncanny ability to select able associates has been demonstrated again and again, very dramatically in the accomplishments of his staff during World M7ar 11, n-lien methods were developed for analyzing and purifying graphite and iiraiiii~m)contributions that opened the ivay to the uqe of t h materials in the first atomic pile. Several important honor5 ha\ e collie to Dr. Lundell over the years, indicating the great esteem with which he is held by his fellon- scienlicts. In 1932 he received the Hillebrand Prize of the Chemical Society of Washington: in 1941 he n-as awarded an honorary doctor of science by Fordham University; he is a past pre>ident of the h.S.T.31. For a number of years he served as an asqociate editor of the Jottrim1 o j the American Cheinicul Society, and m r one of the editors of the glas? division of the American Ceramic Society. llr. Lundell’s active support of the AXALYTIC i~ EDITION Of IKDUSTRIAL A S D E S G I S E E R I N G C H E M I S T R Y , nox -\SALYTICAL CHERIISTRP, is lye11 known. His sustained interest in the Ivork of the Advisory Board and his constructive influence have added to the stature of the public at i on. Tour editor personally is indebted t o Dr. Lundell for many acts of direct assistance and guidance. His calm, deliberate, and objective thinking v a s in evidencr at the meetings of the Advisory Board and rare, indeed, TT ere the occasions \\ hen he could not lay aside the immediate and pressing responsibilities of hib work at the Bureau of Standards in order to attend the meetings of the hoard. It is characteristic of the man neier t o asbume a n office without fulfilling the obligations attached to it. Dr. Imide11 retired from the exhausting duties as chief of the Chemistry Division 01 the National Bureau of Standards in the latter part of last year. His retirement leaves a void not only in the bureau, but in every gathering of analytical chemists. Hib inspiring influence, his kindly and gentle attitude toward his fellow \rorker\. his special interest in the younger men of the profession, will remain for years a heritage all will treasure. 1021
