'chemistry EDITOR: GEORGE H. MORRISON EDITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 1155 Sixteenth St., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 Phone: 202-872-4570 Teletype: 710-8220 151 Executive Editor: Josephine M. Petruzzi Associate Editors: Stuart A. Borman, Marcia S. Vogel Assistant Editors: Rani A. George, Louise Voress Production Manager: Leroy L. Corcoran Art Director: Alan Kahan
Academic Chemical lnstrumentation$500 Million Needed
Designer: Sharon Harris Wolfgang Production Editor: Gail M. Mortenson Circulation: Cynthia G. Smith Journals Dept., Columbus, Ohio Associate Head: Marianne Brogan Associate Editor: Rodney L. Temos Advlsory Board: Joel A. Carter, Richard S. Danchik, Dennis H. Evans, Jack W. Frazer, Helen M. Free, William R. Heineman, Harry S. Hertz, Roland F. Hirsch, Csaba Horvath, Atsushi Mizuike, Thomas C. O'Haver, Melvin W. Redmond, Jr., Herbert L. Retcofsky, Martin A. Rudat, Wilheim Simon, Charles L. Wilkins lnstrumentation Advisory Panel: M. Bonner Denton, Raymond E. Dessy, Larry R. Faulkner, Michael L. Gross, F. James Holler, Peter N. Keiiher, Curt Reimann, D. Warren Vidrine, Andrew T. Zander Contributing Editor, A/ C Interface: Raymond E. Dessy The Analytical Approach Advisory Panel: Edward C. Dunlop, Robert A. Hofstader, Wilbur D. Shults Regulatory Affairs, Analytical Division Committee: Curt W. Reimann (Chairman) Published by the AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 1155 16th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 Books and Journals Division Director: D. H.Michael Bowen
At long last the serious problem of aging and technical obsolescence of chemical instrumentation in U.S. colleges and universities is being addressed. A joint Task Force of the Committee on Science and the Committee on Chemistry and Public Affairs of the American Chemical Society recently conducted a survey study on instrumentation needs in academic departments of chemistry, and the results are summarized in this issue's INSTRUMENTATION feature. Of particular significance is the attempt to provide numbers and facts on this complex issue. The magnitude of the instrumentation problem is startling. The data on the current inventory of scientific instruments and the perceived needs are analyzed on a departmental basis and in terms of use for research training, undergraduate instruction, and a combination of these two. Data both for major research chemistry departments and smaller chemistry departments are provided. As analytical chemists we are particularly affected by the sad state of chemical instrumentation for academic research. While many chemists in various disciplines share the use of these instruments in departmental facilities to obtain analytical data (NMR, IR, MS, GC, LC, AA) for their research, the analytical chemist is often involved in exploring the further development of these techniques and requires dedicated pieces of equipment for his research. Thus, the investigation of new and emerging fields of instrumentation provides the ideas and information for future generations of commercial instruments. Many advances in separations, spectroscopy, computerization, etc., have resulted from the efforts of analytical chemists working with dedicated instruments, both commercial and homemade. Here obsolescence is particularly critical as we strive to put ourselves out of business by intensive research to advance the field. When appropriate mechanisms for raising funds to update the instrumental needs of chemistry departments are formulated, the special needs of analytical research should also be considered.
Journals: Charles R. Bertsch Production: Elmer Pusey, Jr. Research and Development; Lorrin R. Garson Manuscript requirements are published in the January 1984 issue, page 123. 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. 56, NO. 11, SEPTEMBER 1984
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