EDITOR: GEORGE H. MORRISON ASSOCiA TE EDITORS: Klaus Blemann, Georges Guiochon, Theodore Kuwana, Fred Lytle
EDITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 1155 Sixteenth St., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 Phone: 202-872-4570 Teletype: 710-8220 151
?chemistry Microchemical Techniques
Executive Editor: Josephine M. Petruzzi Associate Editors: Stuart A. Borman, Rani A. George, Louise Voress Assistant Editor: Mary D. Warner Editoria, Assistant: Grace K. Lee Production Manager: Leroy L. Corcoran Art Director: Alan Kahan Designer: Sharon Harris Wolfgang Production Editor: Gail M. Mortenson Circulation: Cynthia G. Smith Editorial Assistant, LabGuide: Joanne Mullican Journals Dept., Columbus, Ohlo Associate Head: Marianne Brogan Associate Editor:
dGdH8y L. Temos
Advisory Board: Shier S. Berman, Brian S . Bidlingmeyer. Henry N. Biount, Gary D. Christian, Harry V. Drushel, Larry R. Faulkner, William R. Heineman, Harry S. Hertz, Gary M. Hieftje, Atsushi Mizuike, Erno Pungor. Melvin W. Redmond, Jr., Martin A. Rudat, Dennis Schuetzie, Charles L. Wilkins, Nicholas Winograd
lnrtrurnentatlon Advisory Panel: Howard G. Barth, Richard F. Browner, Richard S.Danchik, Thomas C. Farrar, Joel M. Harris, John F. Holland, F. James Holler, Peter N. Keliher, D.Warren Vidrine. The Analytical Approach Advisory Panel: Edward C. Dunlop, Robert A. Hofstader, Wilbur D. Shults Published by the AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 1155 16th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036
Of the various specialties in analytical chemistry, one of the oldest, microanalysis, dates back to the eighteenth century. It is generally agreed, however, that Friedrich Emich at the University of Graz, Austria, was the founder of classical microchemistry at the beginning of this century. The primary goal of microanalysis is to analyze small amounts of samples that may range from a few milligrams or millimeters to lower limits of micro- to picograms or micro- to picoliters. As a result of greater opportunities for travel after World War 11, international symposia became a reality, allowing scientists of various disciplines to get together. Appropriately, the first symposium on microchemical techniques took place in Graz in 1950. The emphasis of that conference was naturally on wet-chemical and light-microscopic techniques. Over the years a number of similar symposia were held in Europe and the United States; the first in this country was held at Pennsylvania State University in 1961. As in all areas of analysis, rapid advances in microanalysis have taken place in recent years with the advent of instrumental techniques. This was dramatically illustrated at the 10th International Symposium on Microchemical Techniques, held in Antwerp, Belgium, this past August. Under the chairmanship of Professor Renaat Gijbels of the University of Antwerp, an excellent program consisting of 70 oral presentations, a number of open-forum discussions, and more than 250 poster presentations was offered. The emphasis was on the application of microbeam techniques for the in situ analysis of microscopic features in solid samples and on techniques for surface chemical analysis for both inorganic and organic samples. Among the techniques featured were laser microprobe mass spectrometry, particle-induced X-ray emission, ion microprobe methods, Raman microprobe, and electrochemical methods. Applications of these and other techniques to the life sciences and materials science and to industry were well represented. Modern methods of microchemical analysis have come a long way since Graz in the earlier part of this century. Not only has the field enjoyed a steady increase in importance over the years, but the 10th International Symposium confirms that it is flourishing.
Books and Journals Dlvision Director: D. H. Michael Bowen Journals: Charles R. Bertsch Research and Development: Lorrin R. Garson Manuscript requirements are published in the January 1986 issue, page 267. 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. 58, NO. 13, NOVEMBER 1986
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