Editorial - Research and service in analytical chemistry - Analytical

Editorial - Research and service in analytical chemistry. Herbert A. Laitinen. Anal. Chem. , 1967, 39 (13), pp 1513–1513. DOI: 10.1021/ac50156a017...
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Research and Service in Analytical Chemistry

Associate Editor: Charlotte C. Sayre Assistant Editor: Elizabeth R. Rufe

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of PublicaHerbert C

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HE IMPORTANCE of the service role of analytical chemistry in reT s e a r c h as well as production has often been stressed. No doubt, such a service role accounts for a large fraction of the activities of the people who identify themselves as analytical chemists, particularly if we include methods development and special non-routine applications in this classification. The very magnitude of the service function, however, tends to obscure the importance of research in analytical chemistry as a necessary activity to keep this field abreast of advances in science generally. To be sure, advances in analytical methodology often are brought about by the necessity for improvements in measurement or characterization techniques in larger research efforts for which analysis is a means to an end rather than an end in itself, But to rely exclusively on such chance developments would be to risk large gaps and delays in the development of analytical chemistry, as \yell as t o deny the existence of analytical chemistry as a research field in itself. Even a relatively small "investment in competence," that is, research looking towards the solving of future analytical problems rather than past or present ones, vi11 pay large dividends in the improyed efficiency of the service role, t o say nothing of the improvement in professional morale and stature of the research analytical chemist.

Advertising Management REINHOLD PUBLISHING CORP. (for Branch O5ces, see page 170 A)

For submission of manuscripts, see page 2 .A. VOL. 39, NO. 13, NOVEMBER 1967

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