A N A L Y T I C A L CH EM1S T R Y WALTER J. MURPHY, Editor
Selecting the Right Analytical Method HERE are tn-o subjects concerning analysis about Twhich there is little concern until a gross error is introduced, and a careful study is made to determine the cause. One is sampling; the other is selecting the right analytical method. I n both cases the analyst usually has little or nothing to say about either, because all too often he is handed the sample and told what determination is required. In many cases, especially in routine control, the procedures are so standardized that these two problems do not become important, K e n 4 l limit the present discussion to selecting the right analytical method because, with the complexity and versatility of modern analysis, this now presents a very real problem in many laboratories. The factors that make this a problem stem from several sources. The chemist who seeks the services of the analytical department has in the course of his training had some courses in analysis, and he therefore feels qualified to request along with the sample the specific determination n-hich he expects will give the information about the composition or structure of the material on which he is working. The analytical laboratory is geared to turning out requested analyses and has not the training or interest in discussing the reasons behind the requested work. It is not uncommon to find the chemical approach to analysis separated from the instrumental, so that where the problem is submitted depends someu-hat on what group is the best salesman. The instrumental specialist is often weak in chemistry, but because he can usually run a curve in the matter of minutes, his customers a t least have had action and something to talk about, even though they may not have an adequate answer. The chemical approach to analytical problems is too often time-consuming, and, with the usual heavy backlog of n-ork, the analyst is often bypassed when he could perhaps give LZ better answer. The ansir-er, which is gradually being recognized, is to organize the analytical department so that it has both the chemical and instrumental to offer as service
and so obviates the wasteful process of customers’ shopping around to get their analytical problems solved. The development of instruments is a slow process involving mechanical and electrical problems which the experts in these fields are best able t o handle. Unfortunately, these specialists are not the best qualified to apply their methods to analytical problems. The development stage has passed, and well-engineered and excellent instruments can now be purchased. It is for this reason that analytical laboratories should think in terms of offering service in both physical and chemical methods. They should staff their laboratories with men qualified to work in all branches of analysis. Management is becoming concerned about the lack of coordination of analytical effort and its continued mounting cost. I n some large organizations it is possible to submit the same samples to two or more independent groups, which can lead to costly and ineffective analytical service. To select the best and most economical analytical method requires an analytical department equipped and staffed with qualified personnel in all phases of analysis. When this is done, those requiring analytical service need only outline the information required and leave to the analytical department the task of deciding what method or combination of methods will give the required information. If required, the analytical data should be interpreted in consultation with those submitting work, and the too common practice of expecting the research chemist to draw his own conclusions should be discontinued. To accomplish this rather simple task of selecting the right method is rather difficult under the usual organizational setup. With a better and more complete approach to analysis and a staff that commands the respect of those they serve, we believe that cost of analysis can be reduced, and certainly a faster and more complete answer can be given to the analytical problenis submitted,
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