ISSN:
0570-0833
Keywords:
Trace analysis
;
Environmental chemistry
;
Chemistry today
;
Chemistry
;
General Chemistry
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
Analytical chemistry is consolidating an important position within the framework of our modern industrial community; the frontiers of trace (and ultra-trace) analysis have expanded into new territories, thus demanding a constant change in our mode of thinking in a substance-related manner in analytical chemistry. An outline of the development of analytical chemistry during this century reveals a period of underdeveloped research and education followed by a current phase of impetuous advancement. However, as a result of increasingly antagonistic sectional convictions in the public mind concerning reservations against, as well as efforts towards, efficient technological progress, this advancement evokes new existential risks for analytical chemistry - viz. either to be used in an uncritical way or to fall into discredit following slogans like ‘high-performance analytical chemistry is to blame for it all!’ A much more constructive consideration says that risks can be estimated and evaluated solely by means of a highly efficient analytical chemistry, when used with a sense of responsibility. Analysts may help to clarify and to cope with the increasing fear of decreasingly smaller amounts of trace elements - in both adverse groups in our community. Strategies necessary to gain this end are outlined with regard to a methodological as well as a political platform.
Additional Material:
12 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/anie.198504851
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