An Expanding Program of Special Symposia
I t realizes also that new and revolutionary methods of analysis can develop from but one source-increased research of a fundamental nature.
Analytical chemists will not lack opportunities during the first half of 1950 to exchange scientific and technical information. The Third Symposium on Analytical Chemistry of Louisiana State University, to be held January 30 to February 2 a t Baton Rouge, La., the Pittsburgh Conference on Analytical Chemistry and Applied Spectroscopy, to be staged in the William Penn Hotel, February 15 to 17, the Fifth Annual Microchemical Symposium, to be conducted at the American Museum of Natural History in New York on February 24 and 25, and the Third Annual Summer Symposium, cosponsored by the A.C.S. Division of Analytical Chemistry and ASALYTICAL CHEMISTRY, are likely to attract record attendances. Our neighbor to the north, the Chemical Institute of Canada, will stage its second analytical symposium in the Royal Connaught Hotel, Hamilton, Ontario, on March 2 and 3. Presentation of the Fisher Award to I. AT. Kolthoff, and a symposium on chemical analysis by means of infrared spectrophotometry, will feature a four-day program of the Division of Analytical Chemistry at Houston, the last week in March. The renaissance in analytical chemistry is worldwide. Word has reached us that the Austrian Society for Microchemistry has definitely settled on July 2 to 6, 1950, as the date for the First International Microchemical Congress at Graz, and plans are maturing satisfactorily for an International Congress on Analytical Chemistry, to be held in Great Britain sometime in 1952, under the patronage of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. What a contrast these activities provide when comparison is made with the situation prevailing but a few years ago, when analytical chemistry was looked down upon by most of the chemical profession and avoided a6 one would a plague. The continued successes of special symposia demonstrate conclusively that analytical chemistry is no longer destined for a Cinderella role. Analysts are to be congratulated for the initiative and leadership required to operate so many and varied symposia. Industry is sympathetic to these gatherings, for it senses that more accurate, more rapid, more precise methods of analysis will make possible introduction of new large scale continuous processes, better products, and much-needed economies in manufacturing.
The Challenge of Tomorrow The Pittsburgh Section of the AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY, in bestowing the Pittsburgh Award on H . V. Churchill, has honored all analytical chemists, for he typifies all the finest qualities and attributes of the profession. Over the years he has made many notable scientific contributions to the field of analytical chemistry, but over and above strictly scientific considerations, he has provided at all times constructive leadership and sound judgment in professional problems of direct concern to analysts. His geniality, his kindly humor, his profound understanding of human nature, are widely known throughout the entire chemical profession. The mere listing of Mr. Churchill as toastmaster is positive assurance that a dinner or meeting will be a success. In his humble way he has taught analysts that there is nothing unprofessional about a good hearty laugh. The philosophy of Mr. Churchill is easily discernible in the following quotation from his speech of acceptance. At meetings such as this, there is a strong temptation to be reminiscent and to recall the days of the past. Upon the occasion of an award such as this of tonight, a review of the past is probably necessary to justify or explain the action of the award jury, but in the field of science, whether it be pure or applied, it is always morning-the beginning of tomorrow. It is a time when “dawn stands tiptoe on the misty mountain-top.” Out there lies a field of active work, achievement, and accomplishment. I n my happy experience the tasks that lie ahead-immediate and future-have always been inviting. While there is much that has been done, there is more to do. The challenge of the future is very real to all men whose life work is along scientific and technological lines. I yield to no one in my respect and admiration of the great, the near great, and the unnamed workers who laid the foundation and built the structure that has brought analytical chemistry to its present high estate-and yet, analytical chemistry, today, is but a promise of what is to come.
The part H. V. Churchill has played in the great resurgence that has brought analytical chemistry to its present position of high dignity, esteem, and recognized importance in the hierarchy of both pure and applied chemistry is gratefully acknowledged by the members of the profession. 1
