EDITORIAL
The ACS Division of Analytical Chemistry: Fifty Years of Growth This past week the ACS Division of Analytical Chemistry celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of its founding. The festivities that took place at the 196th ACS National Meeting in Los Angeles on September 25-30 were marked by an excellent technical program and a gala anniversary banquet held at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. As we celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of our Division we can all take great pride in the current vigor of analytical chemistry in the United States and worldwide. In my Jan. 1,1988, editorial I noted that there are many factors responsible for the continued growth of the field over the years. Foremost has been the need for new and sophisticated methods of characterization in all fields of science and technology and the positive response of the analytical community to fulfill those needs. To formalize this growth and to advance our knowledge of progress in the field, we rely on our J O U R N A L and the Division.
At this time of celebration it is useful to reflect on some of the important changes that have occurred in analytical chemistry over the years. One of the best indicators of this change is the list of topics covered in the Division's annual summer symposia. Started in 1948 and cosponsored by ANALYTICAL C H E M I S T R Y
and the Division, these annual symposia have continued to reflect the broad scope and interests of our members. During the first decade (1948-1958) the emphasis was on wet chemical analysis, including methods of chemical separations, organic reagents, and titrimetry. It is interesting to note that two symposia on nuclear methods of analysis signaled the beginning of modern methods
of trace analysis. In the second decade (1958-1968) chromatography and other methods of separation continued to grow in importance along with trace analysis and bioanalytical techniques. The recognition of analytical automation and data processing during this early period is particularly significant. The third decade (1968-1978) reflected growing interest in computer-assisted analytical chemistry along with instrumental techniques for trace analysis, spectroscopy, and electroanalytical chemistry and enzyme analysis. Significantly, surface analysis began to emerge as an important area of concern. This past decade (1978-1988) has marked the recognition of the increased importance of such areas as laser spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform spectroscopy, surface characterization, and analytical biotechnology. As Roland F. Hirsch, the Division chairman, noted, "While we have much about which we can be pleased in the first fifty years of the Division, it is essential for our discipline to look to the future." The Executive Committee has agreed to several initiatives, including the formation of a committee on education. As mentioned earlier, much of the success of the field and the Division can be attributed to the positive response of the analytical community. Now is the time to gather new momentum, and younger members are encouraged to volunteer their services to the Division to perpetuate the growth of the discipline.
J3- /y * /^tKvxw4_«rw
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY, VOL. 60, NO. 19, OCTOBER 1, 1988 · 1085 A
