analytical chemistry August 1973,Vol. 45, No. 9 Editor: HERBERT A. LAITINEN
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The Ideal Analytical Method T o find the shortcomings of existing analytical methods, it is instructive to read the introductory paragraphs of research papers. New or improved methods are sought because of limitations ranging from lack of sensitivity, specificity, precision, accuracy, universal applicability, speed, or simplicity, to cost of reagents, equipment, or personnel. In addition, existing methods may not yield sufficiently detailed information about the oxidation states, compounds, or species involved. Quite generally, the desired objectives of the research are attained for the purpose a t hand a t the expense of compromises that usually are left to be inferred by the reader and to be explicitly stated in the introduction to the next paper on the subject. When we consider the fact that an analytical method is a means to a n end, and not an end in itself, it stands to reason that the nearest approach to the ideal method is the one which most conveniently and efficiently handles the problem to be solved. The best approach is not determined just by the attributes of the various possible analytical methods, but also by the equipment, personnel, and reagents available. A laboratory equipped for isotope dilution mass spectrometry, for example, would be likely to come up with quite a different approach to a trace metal determination than a laboratory equipped for electroanalytical chemistry. Similarly, the most efficient answer to an isolated problem involving a single analysis would be unlikely to be identical with the approach taken for a problem anticipated to yield thousands of nearly identical samples. No laboratory can be fully equipped today to handle the complete scope of possible analytical problems. The nearest approach would be an array of laboratories in a large university, industry, or government agency that is so complex organizationally as to render “instant access” impossible. Therefore, there is no alternative to the decision-making process involving the skill and experience of the analytical chemist in arriving a t the best compromise among possible analytical approaches to each problem to be solved.
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For submission of manuscripts, see page 767 A ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY, VOL. 45,
NO. 9, AUGUST 1973
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