EDITORS'
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be affected most dramatically; those interviewed in the survey predict a decrease in laboratory purchases of 3-4%. Growth is expected in areas such as biotechnology, medical re search, pharmaceuticals, and envi ronmental analysis. Because an increasing number of laboratories are specializing in envi ronmental issues, conference orga nizers initiated an Environmental Institute to provide a forum for dis cussion of relevant topics. This year, three sessions were scheduled: data integrity in the environmental labo ratory community, risk communica tion, and the impact of environmen tal regulations on the analytical laboratory. In addition, a roundtable discussion on Friday gave con ferees an opportunity to talk one-onone with the speakers. Another new feature of this year's conference was "PC & Ε Interac tions," sessions that gave conferees a chance to brainstorm with their fel low scientists in informal settings. Each session consisted of up to 15 five-minute presentations in which participants discussed ideas, inter esting preliminary results, solutions
to problems, and problems that still require solutions. Building on the success of the ple nary sessions held at last year's con ference, this year's plenary session featured Priestley Medal winner Carl Djerassi. His lecture, "Science-inFiction Is Not Science Fiction—Is It Autobiography?," provided a thought-provoking addition to the technical program. The development of IR spectros copy was the topic of the Third James L. Waters Annual Symposium Rec ognizing Pioneers in the Develop ment of Analytical Instrumentation. The purpose of the Waters Sympo sium is to explore the origin, devel opment, and implementation of analytical i n s t r u m e n t a t i o n and methodology. Honored at the sympo sium were Paul L. Wilks, Jr., presi d e n t of G e n e r a l A n a l y s i s Corp.; Bryce L. Crawford, professor of chemistry emeritus at the University of Minnesota; Foil A. Miller, profes sor of chemistry emeritus at the Uni versity of Pittsburgh; Norman Sheppard, professor of chemistry at the University of East Anglia (England); and Peter R. Griffiths, professor of
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566 A · ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY, VOL. 64, NO. 10, MAY 15, 1992
chemistry at the University of Idaho. J u s t as the technical program has continued to flourish, this year's ex position expanded to accommodate a record-high 1010 companies in 2865 booths. For the first time, exhibitors were permitted to sell instrumenta tion, equipment, and services on the show floor. According to D a v i d Schulbaum, head of the ACS Market ing Communications D e p a r t m e n t , "Judging from the response of visi tors to the ACS booth, the opportu nity was well received. We look for w a r d to e x p a n d i n g o u r e x h i b i t presentation next year." The Pittsburgh Conference has a long and illustrious history, as re called by Dave Nelson in his FOCUS article on p. 588 A. This year's con ference will be remembered as one of innovation, reflecting the everc h a n g i n g discipline of a n a l y t i c a l chemistry. Next year's conference moves back to Atlanta, and organiz ers are already hard at work to en sure that Pittcon '93 will surpass the reputation of its predecessors. Grace Lee, Louise Voress, and Mary Warner
From Caveman to Chemist Circumstances and Achievements.
W
hat was the connection between early chemistry and magic? What was the logic that made alchemists think they could make gold out of lead? Why were gases not recognized until the 17th century? Why did it take 49 years before Avogadro's hypothesis was accepted? In From Caveman to Chemist, author Hugh Salzberg traces the oddities of chem istry, examining cultural and political influ ences on the ideas of chemists. He follows the evolution of chemistry from the Stone Age beginnings of ceramics and metallurgy, through the rise and decline of alchemy, to the culmination of classical chemistry in the late 19th century. Chapters 1 through 9 lead from prehistoric technology, through ancient and medieval science to the study of chemicals and reactions that resulted in the 16th century birth of scientific chemistry. Subsequent chapters focus on key chemists such as Sala, Boyle, Black, Lavoisier, Dalton, Berzelius, Laurent, and Arrhenius as they developed the ideas that led to classical chemistry and the concepts of molecules, chemical reactions, homology, valence, and molecular formulas and structures, among others. Twenty topical illustrations enhance the text. Six timelines and two maps help readers understand the influences of early history on chemistry. Hugh W. Salzberg 300 pages (1991) Clothbound: ISBN 0-8412-1786-6
Paperbound: ISBN 0-8412-1787-4
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