analytical chemistry November 1975, Vol. 47, No. 13 Editor: H E R B E R T A. LAITINEN EDITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 1156 Sixteenth St., N.W. Washington. D.C. 20036 Phone: 202-872-4600 Teletype: 710-8220151 M a n a g i n g Editor: Josephine M. Petruzzi Associate Editor: Andrew A. Husovsky Editorial Assistants: Barbara Cassatt, Deborah M. Cox GRAPHICS AND PRODUCTION S T A F F Manager: Leroy L. Corcoran Associate Manager: Charlotte C. Sayre . Favin Art Director: Norman W Artist: Linda McKnight Assistant Editor:
Nnncy J. Oddenino
EDITORIALDEPARTMENT, EASTON, PA. Associate Editor: Elizabeth R. Hufe
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ADvIsoIiy BOARD: Allen J. Bard, David F. Boltz E.G. Brame Jr., Richard P. Buck, Warren’B. Crummilt, M. A. Evenson, A. F. Findeis Kenneth W. Gardiner Jack M. Gill,, Rocert A. Hofstader, Mirjorie G. Horning, R. S. Juvet, Jr., Walqer ,C. McCrone, Oscar Menis, Eugene Sawlckl INSTRUMENTATION ADVISORY PANEL: Stanle R. Crouch Robert W. Hannah, J. J. d r k l a n d Ronhld H. Laessig Marvin Margoshes Harold M, McNai;, David Seligson, g. K. Skogerboe, Donald E. Smith C o n t r i b u t i n g Editor: Claude A. Lucchesi Department of Chemistry, Korthweatern University, Evanston, Ill. 60201 Published by the AMEHICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 1155,16th Street, N. W. Washington, D.C. 20036
Books a n d J o u r n a l s Division D. H. Michael Bowen Director Charles R. Bertsch Head, E d i t o r i a l Department Bacil Guiley Head, G r a p h i c s a n d Production Department Seldon W. Terrant Head, Research a n d Development D e p a r t m e n t -~
The Chemistry in Analytical Chemistry The now classic remark of H. A. Liebhafsky, “Like it or not, chemistry is going out of analytical chemistry”, has been countered by R. C. Chirnside with the comment (paraphrased), It is not so much that chemistry is going out but that physics is coming in. We are all familiar with the traditional lore that chemistry must continue to play a role, if only for the calibration of instrumental methods and for its function in performing individual determinations with high precision and accuracy. These functions, however, sadly understate the importance of chemistry in analytical sciences. First of all, in all analytical methods concerned with solutions, the thermodynamics and kinetics of complexation, acid-base, redox and precipitation reactions enter the picture. Second, the complex and illunderstood chemistry involved in many of the so-called physical methods of analysis, such as flame photometry, emission spectroscopy, atomic absorption and fluorescence, spark source mass spectrometry, etc., is the underlying cause of “matrix effects” so vexing to the practitioners of these techniques. Third, the chemical steps in complex analytical operations often present difficulties for transcending those encountered in the final physical measurement. A good example is neutron activation analysis, in which the superb measurement capabilities of the physicist are often frustrated by shortcomings in chemical separation steps. Another example is the analysis of biological tissue for trace metals, in which the destruction of the tissue is often the most difficult and time-consuming step. Finally, but by no means least, we must consider the chemistry of the problem area to which the analytical results are to be applied. The analytical chemist properly serves his role as a chemical measurements specialist only if he is a full partner in the interdisciplinary team concerned with solving the problem. When we consider the fact that analytical measurements are concerned with inorganic, organic, or biological materials, and also the fact that the analyst today is called upon to answer more sophisticated questions than just the composition of matter averaged over a sample, we conclude that chemistry is not just a handy crutch or a complicating nuisance, but a vital and essential part of analytical chemistry.
Marion Gurfein Head, Circulation Development
Aduertrsiiiy Management
CENTCOM, LTD. (for Branch Offices, see page 1221 A)
For submission of manuscripts, see page 1 1 3 0 A
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY, VOL. 47, NO. 13, NOVEMBER 1975
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