ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
EDITORIAL
JANUARY 1958, Vol. 30, No. 1 APPLIED JOURNALS, ACS Director o f Publications, C. B. Larrabee Editorial Director, Walter J. Murphy Executive Editor, James M. Crowe Production Manager, Joseph H. Kuney
Trends in 1958
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
EDITORIAL HEADQUARTERS WASHINGTON 6, D. C. 1155 Sixteenth St., N.W. Phone Republic 7-5300 Teletype W A 23 Associate Editors: 0. Gladys Gordonr Stella Anderson, Ruth Cornette, Katherine 1. Biggr, George B. Krantz Assistont Editors: Betty V. Kieffer, Arthur Poulos, Robert J. Riley, Robert J. Kelley, Hanns 1. Sperr Ediforiol Assistants: Ruth M. Howorth, Eugenia Keller, Sue M. Solliday, Malvina B. Preisr, Marjorie H. Swenson, Ruth Reynard, Gloria H. Wills Sfoff Artist:
Melvin D. Buckner
BRANCH EDiTORlAL OFFICES CHICAGO 3, ILL. Room 926 36 South Wabash Ave. Phone State 2-5148 Teletype CG 725 Associate Editors: Howard J. Sanderrr Chester Placek Assistant Editor: Laurence J. White HOUSTON 2, TEX. 718 Melrose Bldg. Phone Fairfax 3-7107 Teletype HO 72 Associate Editor: Bruce F. Greek Assisfont Editor: Earl V. Anderson NEW YORK 16, N. Y. 2 Park Ave. Phone Oregon 9-1646 Teletype NY 1-4726 Associote Editors: William Q. Hull, Harry Stenerson, David M. Kiefer, D. Gray Weaver, Walter S. Fedor, Morton Solkind Assisfont Editor: Louis A. Agnella SAN FRANCISCO 4, CALIF. 703 Mechanics’ Institute Bldg. 57 Post st. Phone Exbrook 2-2895 Teletype SF 549 Associate Editor: Richard G. Newhall Assistont Editor: David E. Gushee EASTON, PA. 20th and Northampton Sts. Phone Easton 91 11 Teletype ESTN Pa 48 Associote Editor: Charlotte C. Sayre Ediforial Assistonts: Joyce A. Richards, Elizabeth R. Rufe, June A. Barron EUROPEAN OFFICE Bush House, Aldwych, London Phone Temple Bar 3605 Cable JIECHEM Associofe Editor: Albert S. Heater ~~
EARTH satellite, guided missile, atomic power, and similar programs are requiring contributions from scientists in every discipline. The analytical chemist figures prominently in all of these diverse fields. AA-ALYTICAL CHEMISTRY, which has long been in the forefront among journals serving the analytical chemist, attempts to bring to his attention new techniques and instrumentation which may be applied to problems in these fields. At the same time, ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY must report significant developments in areas of continuing interest. The editors must also focus attention on significant trends. In all of these efforts, the advice and suggestions of ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY’S 15-member advisory board are of invaluable assistance. As we move into a new year, it is appropriate to look a t some of these trends. Instrumentation is too often considered as an end in itself rather than a means to an end. Proponents of a new instrument, in their enthusiasm, often herald the development as being of greater significance than is warranted when considered in the light of over-all objectives of the analytical chemist. Each new development, however, fills a need and contributes to further progress in the field of analysis. I n connection with instrumentation, there is the question of justifying the purchase of relatively costly equipment, Securing information not heretofore obtainable or more accurate information faster usually justifies the purchase It is necessary, however, for the analytical department to evaluate the equipment in terms of costs and results to be obtained. The analytical group is better able to make its decisions when it is familiar with the over-all aims of the organization of which it is a part. I n this connection there is a trend toward making the analyst an integral part of the research team. I n many companies the analytical department not only performs the traditional analytical services but also takes an active part in all phases of the research and development programs. With the advent of process control analytical instrumentation, the analytical group is also becoming a part of the production team. Where does ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY fit into this picture? Through reviews of scientific papers submitted for publication, through close contact with the ACS Division of Analytical Chemistry and with other groups active in the field of analysis and instrumentation, and through its advisory board, the editors have an opportunity to note these trends. By publishing outstanding research contributions and by grouping papers on related topics-for example, those on chromatography and nuclear energy in this issue-and by presenting views of experts in the “Report for Analysts” and the review articles, the editors can help the analytical chemist keep abreast of significant trends and developments. During 1958 the editors will continue to focus attention on techniques and instrumentation of current interest and particularly those that are looming on the horizon as potential tools and techniques for the analytical chemist.
THE
Editor, Lawrence T. Hallett Managing Editor, Robert G. Gibbs
~
Contributing Editor: R. H. Muller Advisory Boord: R. M. Archibald, W. H. Beamer, H. G. Cassidy, W. D. Cooke, R. M. Fowler, louis Gordon, J. 1. Hoffman, M. T. Kelley, E. E. Leininger, W. M. MacNevin, V. W. Msloche, John Mitchell, Jr., E. J. Rosenbaum, R. 0. Russell, A I Steyermark Advertising Management: REINHOLD PUBLISHING CORP. 430 Park Ave., New York 22, N. Y. (For Branch Offices see page 89 A)
VOL. 30, NO. 1 , JANUARY 1958
1
