The resurgence of analytical chemistry. Plenary lecture

Abstract

The historical development of analytical chemistry during the 19th and 20th Centuries is outlined. Particular attention is given to the history of University Chairs in Analytical Chemistry in Europe, and to the death of similar academic positions in the United Kingdom.

The numerous early British contributions to analytical chemistry are proof of the importance of the subject as a field of scientific endeavour that lasted well into the present century. The apathetic view of analytical chemistry which developed during the years between the two World Wars led to its decline, perhaps most noticeable in academic institutions. The new awareness of the role that analytical chemistry has to play in industry and technology is discussed and the need for chemists trained over a wide field of analytical methods is stressed.