What's in a Name?
the division's >cope and influence and t h u z better $ewe the needs and interests of all analytiral chemists.
BE G I S N I S G
in 1939 a few microchemists within the A c i l CHERIIC.IL ~ SOCIETY ~ gathered ~ ~together ~ informally at national meetings to discuss their problems and present a few papers. A4tthat time those interested in analysis usually presented their papers before the Division of Physical and Inorganic Chemistry. This was logical, inasmuch as most papers on analysis dealt with inorganic systems. In 1938 the Division of Microchemistry was authorized. This step crystallized the thinking of other analysts who felt their needs were not being served as part of another division, and so they asked to become part of the Division of Microchemistry. This officially took place in 1930, and the name was changed to the Division of Analytical and Micro Chemistry. During the intervening years the scope and responsibility of the division have increased to the point where microchemistry and inorganic analysis are but a part of the interests which are, and should be, served by the division. The growth of the division has more than tripled this year. This growth, coupled with the developments of analytical chemistry, which now encompasses many new approaches and instruments not analytically developed ten years ago, has caused many to ask why it should not simply be called the Division of Analytical Chemistry. We believe, in keeping with the broad scope of analytical chemistry in which the division is now interested, that a change in name is desirable and that it in no way diminishes the importance of microchemistry in the activities of the division. The division's Executive Committee, after careful thought and sampling of opinion, plans this month to submit a letter ballot requesting an official expression from division membership relative to the change in name. This action is timely, since at this time also new by-law will be submitted for approval in accordance with the new constitution and regulations of the Society. Under this proposed new and more appropriate name we believe the division can become one of the larger and more important of the A.C.S. divisional groups. Although some progress has been made in this direction during the past several years, there will be greater opportunity under the broader title to expand still further 889
~ Successful Summer Symposium ? T Hi E COURSE of discharging our editorial duties we naturally find it necessary to he present at many scientific and professional gatherings. Occasionally one of these meetings stands out in our memory as particularly stimulating. fruitful. and pleasurable. Such an occasion was the recent Second .4nnual Summer Symposium on Analytical Chemistry. There on the lovely campus of Wesleyan University at Jliddletown, Conn., gathered the cream of the nation's analysts. The formal program devoted to organic reagents brought forth a prominent cast of speakers. They came well prepared and made fine presentations. h l l the arrangements with regard to registration, housing, and other details were handled so smoothly that these frequently irksome chores became almost a pleasure. Although the technical subject \vas covered comprehensively in the formal program, the pace Ivas unhurried and ample opportunity was available for discussion. Even nom as we write this, several weeks after the meeting, we have a clear mental picture of the pleasant atmosphere of the event. Between sessions many small groups took advantage of the opportunity to relax under the shade of Wesleyan's beautiful trees and discuss analytical problems or just engage in general conversation. From personal participation we know that these friendly and informal discussions are highly raluable, especially to the younger members, because of the information exchanged and lasting friendships that are made. A heart-warming aspect mas the welcome given to the two distinguished guests, world-famous analyst Fritz Feigl from Brazil and Arthur B. Lamb, retiring editor of the ,Journal of the -4merican Chemical Society. X o meeting operates smoothly without a lot of planning and hard work behind the scenes. We know there mas plenty of both in connection with the Summer Symposium. -411 who were involved, the officers of the division and the various committees, may take pride in a job well done. S. E. Q. Ashley, general chairman, and AI. G. Burford, chairman of the committee on local arrangements, especially are to be congratulated for their splendid handling of a most successful symposium.
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