analytical chemistry Editor: Herbert A. L a i t i n e n EDITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 1155 Sixteenth St., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 Phone: 202-872-4570 Teletype: 710-8220151 Managing Editor: Josephine M. Petruzzi Associate Editor. Andrew A. Husovsky Associate €d,tor, Easton: Elizabeth R. Rufe Assistant Editors: Barbara Cassatt, Nancy J Oddenino, Deborah C. Stewart
Editorial Assistant: Andre D'Arcangelo Production Manager: Leroy L. Corcoran Art Director: John V. Sinnett Designer: Alan Kahan Advlsory Board: Donald H. Anderson, Peter Carr, Velmer Fassel, David Firestone, Kurt F. J. Heinrich. Philip F. Kane, Barry L.Karger, J. Jack Kirkland, Lynn L. Lewis, Marvin Margoshes. Harry B. Mark, Jr., J. W. Mitchell, Harry L. Pardue, Garry A. Rechnitz, W. D. Shults Instrumentation Advlsory Panel: Gary D. Christian, Catherine Fenseiau, Nathan Gochman, Gary M. Hiettje, Gary Horlick, Peter J. Kissinger, James N. Little, C. David Miller, Sidney L. Phillips. Contributing Editor: Claude A. Lucchesi Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University. Evanston. Ill. 60201 Publtshed by the AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 1155 16th Street N W Washington, D C 20036 Books and Journals Division Director D H Michael Bowen Editorial Charles R Bertsch
The Need for Pure Research Support in Analytical Chemistry Analytical chemistry by nature is considered to be an applied science, so it might be argued that little, if any, pure research support is needed in this area. This argument, however, does not stand up to closer scrutiny. I t is a historical fact that many fundamental analytical discoveries were made in research projects not aimed at analysis at all, or in which analysis was a means to an end rather than a goal in itself. It is also a fact that some of these discoveries lay dormant or were not fully exploited because no one had investigated them from the viewpoint of analysis as a goal. Consider, for example, atomic emission spectroscopy, which for many years was used in a primitive and empirical way for analysis before it was revolutionized during the modern era of basic research in this subject. Liquid chromatography is another example of a method that long saw utilization in a primitive form before being revitalized through basic research. We can draw an analogy between science as a whole and the specialty of analytical chemistry in relation to support for its pure and applied aspects. While an exact dividing line is not easily drawn, we all recognize the difference between science pursued simply for the sake of knowledge and for the ultimate purpose of furthering a mission. In the same way, research in measurement systems may or may not have a mission in the sense that a specific analytical application is in mind. Relatively little research goes on to seek fundamental principles and generalizations in analytical chemistry. Where basic advances are made, they usually come about through specific applications which lead to the discovery of underlying principles. Probably it is inevitable that the majority of analytical advances will continue to be made in this indirect fashion, for the simple reason that refinements in analysis are so frequently a prerequisite to progress in experimental science. Let it be understood, however, that there is a growing community of analytical scientists both willing, able, and eager to pursue the basic aspects of chemical characterization and measurement without its attachment to another mission.
Magazine and Production Bacil Guiley Research and Development Seldon W Terrant Circulation Develooment Marion Gurfein Manuscript requirements are published in the January 1978 issue, page 189. Manuscripts for publication (4 copies) should be submitted to ANALYTiCAL CHEMISTRY at the ACS Washington address. The American Chemical Society and its editors assume no responsibility for the statements and opinions advanced by contributors. Views expressed in the editorials are those of the editors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the American Chemical Society
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY, VOL. 50, NO. 12, OCTOBER 1978
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