‘Communications to the Editor”
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of the innovations added to ANALYTICAL CHEMover the past five years are the result of the active participation of the Advisory Board. The editor welcomes this opportunity to acknowledge publicly and with warm appreciation the interest and valuable assistance rendered by its members. At the most recent meeting of the board, the suggestion mas made by I. M. Kolthoff that a section “Communications to the Editor,” devoted exclusively to scientific matters, be added to the journal. We look with favor on this proposal, although we realize full well that such a department may add further trials and tribulations to the editor’s daily life. Our sole objective is to publish a journal that meets the needs and requirements of analytical chemists the world over. A few more responsibilities are welcomed by a loyal staff who derive much personal satisfaction from the services rendered the profession of analytical chemistry. Nany research projects are pursued for years before the rewlts are published. This is especially true of many forms of research conducted in colleges and universities. A thesis for a doctorate usually is published after the candidate has received the degree, and frequently publication is delayed for several years. During the course of such research discoveries often are made which are of wide interest to workers in the field. Occasionally research in fields other than analytical will disclose information of a fundamental nature that is of definite interest and value to analytical chemists During a research study for an advanced degree frequently new reagents for qualitative detection and quantitative determination of inorganic and organic constituents are discovered, classical techniques are greatly improved, and new physicochemical principles are used in quantitative analyses. These are but a few examples of many instances where the literature could be enhanced by a “Communications to the Editor” section. After such discoveries have been made considerable time may elapse before an exhaustive study is completed and sufficient results are compiled to warrant preparation of a detailed manuscript. We believe readers of ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY will welcome an opportunity t o be informed of new discoveries which can be appropriately reported in the new department in the form of a brief but exact “Cornmunication to the Editor.” This new column will adhere to the high scientific standards maintained throughout the journal. It is not intended to take the place of “Xotes on Analytical Procedures” or “Aids for the Analyst,” each of which serves a most useful purpose. AXY
ISTRY
Scientists in other fields of chemistry often obtain results that are indirectly of great significance to analytical chemists. ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY is usually not the most suitable medium for the publication of studies on solubilities, oxidation-reduction reactions, acid-base reactions, catalyzed and induced reactions, properties of precipitates, etc. Yet readers of ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY would welcome an opportunity to get acquainted with the main results of such studies, which are appropriate for the new column, especially when their importance to analytical chemistry is clearly emphasized. The new column offers speedy publication of new discoveries of major analytical importance. We must ask, however, that those who avail themselves of this opportunity use it with discretion and always with the rights of others in mind. I n order to maintain high quality, communications will be handled in a manner similar to that employed for more lengthy manuscripts. Frankly, the success or failure of this column mill depend upon the speed with which contributions are reported on by reviewers and the care and wisdom they use in making their recommendations. Our highly favorable experiences of the past indicate that we will have the loyal support of the army of reviewers in this neiv editorial venture. We have said time and again, and once more we repeat, that we believe no profession is more conscious of ethics than is the chemical profession. The structure of scientific publications would have crumbled years ago if scientists had not lived up to high ethical standards. Many proffered communications will be rejected, just as many manuscripts are rejected, for one or more reasons. Of those who may receive rejection slips, we ask forbearance and a spirit of understanding. One of the most pleasant duties of an editor is to write a letter accepting a manuscript or communication; perhaps his most unpleasant duty is to reject one, for the editor appreciates the time and energy expended in the research work done and the effort devoted to the writing of a manuscript. No great writer has not produced his quota of relatively mediocre work; no great actor is outstanding in every part he portrays. Similarly, a chemist must expect, a t times, to receive critical analyses of his results. No one is endowed with perfection, and editors are not exempt from inclusion among the fallible. Thus we offer still another service to our authors and readers in our effort to provide a positive and dynamic approach to scientific and technical journalism in the broad fields of analytical chemistry. This is your journal and is edited to serve the best interests of analytical chemists. 591
