Our Analytical Chemistry and its Future

Abstract

THIS Chandler lecture for 1916, though purposely restricted to the conditions existing in the United States, is largely applicable, mutatis mutandis, to the position of analytical chemistry in this country also. In the early days of chemistry, when there was need for accumulated observations on the composition of all kinds of matter, the great chemists of the period were of necessity analysts, and the analytical branch of chemistry stood in high repute. Latterly there has been some neglect, and less fundamental knowledge of analysis has been demanded of chemists. This is partly due to the great development of organic chemistry and physical chemistry, which have held out better promise of new discoveries. The lecturer contends, however, that the field of re search in analytical chemistry is by no means an exhausted one. He instances, in support of his opinion, the possibility of finding uses for the rarer elements, such as gallium and indium; the influence of minute quantities of elements on the properties of materials; and the importance of exact analytical methods in physico-chemical re searches. A national institution of analytical chemistry is wanted, of high scientific authority and in touch with industry: the best conditions for establishing and maintaining such an institu tion are discussed by Dr. Hillebrand at some length.

Our Analytical Chemistry and its Future.

Dr.

W. F.

Hillebrand

By. Pp. 36. (New York: Columbia Univ. Press; London: Humphrey Milford, 1917.) Price 1s. 6d. net.