EDITORIAL
Pure and Applied Chemistry It is helpful to define the scope of a tech nical core journal such as ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY. AS might be expected, the definition varies considerably with the evaluator and with time. According to the scope stated in the latest Manuscript Requirements (2), "the journal is devot ed to the dissemination of knowledge concerning all branches of analytical chemistry. Articles either are entirely theoretical with regard to analysis or are reports of laboratory experiments that support, argue, refute, or extend estab lished theory. Articles may contribute to any of the phases of analytical opera tions, such as sampling, chemical reac tions, separations, instrumentation, measurements, and data processing. They need not refer to existing or even potential analytical methods in them selves, but may be confined to the princi ples and methodology underlying such methods. Articles dealing with minor modification of known analytical meth ods should offer either a unique applica tion of or a significant improvement over existing analytical methods." Thus, the JOURNAL is committed to both fundamental and applied aspects of the discipline. Although some purists may look down on the applied aspects of the field, it is the need for analytical methods that has greatly stimulated ad
vancement of our science. A review of the contents of the JOURNAL over the past few years emphasizes the important im pact that analytical application papers have had on most branches of science. However, the requirements governing the content of application papers must be remembered. Results of a recent survey by an independent research firm evaluat ing ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY contain strong evidence that supports the manu script guidelines regarding application papers and reiterates the readership's in terest in such papers. It was found that 79% of the authors surveyed strongly be lieve that the JOURNAL should publish only those application papers that offer a unique application or a significant im provement over existing methods. Our core JOURNAL remains strongly committed to the publication of papers in both pure and applied analytical chemistry, and authors are encouraged to submit their manuscripts in all areas contained in the guidelines. References (1) Manuscript Requirements, Anal. Chem. 1990, 62, 89-90.
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ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY, VOL. 62, NO. 15, AUGUST 1, 1990 · 821 A
