Round-Table Discussion
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HE Division of Analytical and M c r o Chemistry will
undertake a n interesting experiment a t the fall meeting of the AIIERICAXCHEMICALSOCIETY, when it will sponsor round-table discussions in addition t o the regular program consisting of symposia and general papers. Three subjects have been tentatively selected: (1) metallography, or metal analysis, ( 2 ) water determination by the Karl Fischer reagent, and (3) polarographic measurements, K e believe that such round-table discussions offer an excellent opportunity for exchange of technical knowledge and experience, and if once placed on a successful basis, can do much to satisfy the varied interests of analytical chemists, especially when it is realized that the division is willing t o sponsor the organization of discussions b y any interested groups. Another purpose which these discussions can serve is to determine the need for, and aid in the crystallization of plans for, a broader symposium on the selected subject. Plans are being made t o record the round-table discussions and to present them in digested form in ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY-briefly, progress reports in the various specialized fields that now characterize analytical chemistry, The success of this new venture depend. upon the development of widespread interest in the proposal and active participation in the discussions b y individuals engaged in the fields covered. KO formal papers !\-ill be delivered. A discussion leader, or moderator. will be selected for each subject and in turn he will be asked to select a small panel of experts t o cooperate with him, but those attending will be expected to be vocal. Here is a golden opportunity to exchange ideas and to develop more discussion in our programs. 1T-e will report more on the details of the round-table discu.;sioni a t Atlantic City as they are developed.
Suggestions Wanted
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HE Committee for the Standardization of 1Iicrocheniical -4pparatus of the Division of Analytical and Slicio Chemistry has now completed the n-oik.for the Repoit on Recommended Specifications for 1\Iicrochemical Apparatuscarbon-hydrogen, Dumas nitrogen, sulfur, and halogen. In the future the committee will turn its attention to those items for which no recommended specifications have been made, including the following : 1. Kjeldahl apparatus 2 . Carius apparatus 3. Wet combustion apparatus, including Van Slyke manometric apparatus 4. Abderhalden (pistol) dryers
Khere a number of different articles are used to (lo tlie same function, the committee will recommend specifications for the one most widely used and for one or two of the others. for it is not the function of the committee to recommend apparatus but to recommend specifications for the various pieces so t h a t the article will be identical, regardless of where it is purchased. This hard-working committee requests recommendations and suggestions of those working in the field of micro, semimicro, or ultramicrochemistry. Suggestions should be addressed to the chairman, A. Steyermark, Microchemical Department, Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc., S u t l e y 10, N.J.
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A. K I R K L I K , chairman of the Division of Analytical and Micro Chemistry, has appointed a committee of three-Wallace R. Brode, chairman, Harvey Diehl, and ill. R. Fenske-to investigate the broad problem of the compilation and distribution of basic data. The officers of the division and the members of the special committee are laboring under no illusions that the division single-handed can provide the answers, but it is felt that every day adds to the wealth of basic data being reported and Ivithout a more orderly and systematic method of reporting much of the value is being lost or obscured. The complexity of the problem is such that many organizations must be included in the effort to bring order out of comparative chaos. How to finance such a huge undertaking is but one of the many knotty questions to be discussed. \Ye believe it n-ill be quickly demonstrated that the general subject is one requiring both national and international cooperation of many organizations. Doctors Brode, Diehl, and Fenske are to be commended for their 11illingnev to undertake a n exploratory examination of the problem. It is a difficult assignment but one of prime importance to a n a l p t s and. theiefore, the division does have a pertinent role.
Summer Symposium HE Second Summer Symposium, cosponsored by the T D i v i :4 o n of Analytical and X c r o Chemistry 2nd Ax.4~1TICAL CHEMISTRY, iq now but a fen- days off. The central location of K e d e y a n University a t Sliddleton-n, Conn ., n ill make it possible for large numbers to attend. The local committee on arrangements will make every effort t o find accommodations for those u-ho have not already signified their intention of attending on June 24 and 25. The opportunity to hear Professor Feigl and other prominent speakers discuss the general topic “Organic Reagents” is one that should not be ignored by analysts in the eastern states.
5 . Pressure regulators 6. 11-eighing devices i . Semimicrometers, absorption tubes, etc. 8. Apparatus for group determinations-methoxyl. met hylimide, acetyl, etc. 651
