the analyst's column - ACS Publications

have fun coining your own. I have encountered a problem of ter- minology that may be of interest to you and analytical chemists in general. The proble...
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For Exceptional Results In Quantitative Micro-Analysis in PAPER C H R O M A T O G R A P H Y

THE

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L.T. HALLETT, Science Editor

I F O N E enjoys arguing logically, or illogically, he should become interested in the field of nomen clature. Throw in a liberal dose of semantics and a pinch of personal prejudice, and you can be sure you will never reach a satisfactory decision among any substantial m a jority of scientists when t h e naming of compounds is discussed or t h e coining of new words. These facetious remarks become really serious, however, when the compilers of scientific literature are faced with this problem in making day-to-day decisions in such a controversial field and in maintaining some elements of logic. T h e y do a creditable job under the circumstances, even though a t times those who become occasionally concerned feel their decisions are often capricious or illogical. A

Glenn E. Pollard of 42G5 Kendall St., Wheat llidge, Colo., h a s taken pen in hand to bring to our attention a problem which we believe exists because over t h e years we have groped for such a word which did not exist. Knowing how word coinage is frowned upon, we have never had t h e courage to mention the problem publicly, so a t last Air. Pollard speaks for us. You will undoubtedly not like the word, b u t you can have fun coining your own.

No. 38358

PATENT N O . Ï414B3

It has been found that, because of the differential migration of the solutes through filter paper the maximum color density of the paper is proportional to the concentration of material. The "no drift" feature and the high sensitivity of the Densichron provide measurements of excellent repeatability with accuracies having high statistical significance. It has been successfully used for amino acids, sugars, vitamins, steroids, hormones, drugs, and an endless variety of both organic and inorganic compounds. Write for literature describing the production of papergrams and the use of the Denichron for quantitative determination by the maximum density method.

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I have encountered a problem of terminology that may be of interest to you and analytical chemists in general. The problem arose while I was writing a report on a new analytical method. I had occasion to refer, in general terms, to the compound being determined and could find no suitable term. We analyze samples, b u t for what? In a determination of calcium carbonate in water, what is the general term for calcium carbonate?

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7A

ANALYST'S C O L U M N

A search through "Webster's Unabridged Dictionary" did not reveal any words that seemed to be appropriate, and I could recall no such word being used in the literature. Perhaps a term such as analyte (similar to electrolyte in electrolysis) could be applied to the specific component being determined. Such a term might be of value when discussing analytical methods in general terms. Cost of Attending Meetings

T h e Summer Analytical Sym­ posium again focuses our attention on certain unique features which have been maintained over t h e years. From their inception t h e cost of lodging and meals has been kept remarkably low. This h a s been m a d e possible, of course, b y holding t h e meetings on college campuses a t a time when dormitory space is available. This practice has made it possible for graduate students and others who must pay their own w a y t o attend these meetings, t o hear interesting topics discussed b y experts, and t o meet informally with analytical chemists from m a n y p a r t s of t h e country. It was a pleasure t o meet Professor Rogers from M . I . T . again a t Syra­ cuse and t o make the acquaintance of several of his graduate students who came with h i m . W e have m e a n t to mention this commendable practice which certain professors do frequently, not only Summer Sym­ posiums, but for ACS meetings, too. T h e transportation problem in such cases is generally taken care of b y the professor's driving his car to the meeting. These tangible benefits to graduate students demonstrate early t h e value of attendance a t meetings and t h e benefits of b e ­ coming members of t h e organi­ zation which sponsors such events. T h e cost of meeting attendance is a real one t o those who must p a y their own expenses. T o be denied these benefits in early life can form a p a t t e r n of nonparticipation which is hard t o correct in later life. I t is encouraging t h a t these facts are recognized b y certain professors, and t h a t they have been modestly doing something about it. T h e Analytical Symposium Committee are t o be commended t h a t they have kept costs t o a minimum.

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