Editorial. Automation and the Analytical Chemist - Analytical Chemistry

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A N A LYf T IC A L C H E MI IS T RV

EDITORIAL

January 1964, Vol. 36, No. 1

ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY Director o/ Publications, impplied Journals, A C S , Richard L. Kenyon Director of Business Opemtiow, Applied Journals, A C S , Joseph H. K u r e y Executive Assistant to the Director of Publications, Applied Journals, ACS, Rodney N. Hader Assistant to the Director of Publications for Editorial Development, Applied Journals, ACS, William 4.Hull Director of EditorLal Research, Applied Journals, A C S , Robert F. Gouid Editor, LAWREKCE T. HALLEIT

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Automation and the Analytical Chemist we have attended several panel discussions dealing with the new and old problems facing analytical chemistry. We detect in these discussions a more thoughtful approach to the academic and industrial changes which are necessitated by the new tools of the scientist and the use of computers in solving routine problems in business and science. I n the business world, computers are doing a host of tasks better and cheaper than was formerly done by clerical help. I n many cases this has created a real problem for the individuals whose skills, acquired after many years, are replaced. It is often the less skilled who are retained. Behind all this is the simple fact that the machine has no personnel problems. It is faster and cheaper, and on that basis it is here t o stay. This is a moral as well as an economic problem and has already become one of the important concerns of our government. We think it is time to emphasize that the role of technical personnel in applied and fundamental research is in contributing ideas and correlating the contributions which various disciplines can bring to bear on the solutions of problems. This is an area for which college people are, or should be, trained’and where computers and automation cannot compete. The waste of college-trained scientists and engineers on routine assignments has been criticized for years. Analysis in all its ramifications has in its repetitive and control procedures a great opportunity to make use of automation, with technicians supervising the operations. Analytical chemists should confine themselves to research in new methods, the development of new apparatus, and the interpretation of analytical data as part of the research team. URING THE PAST FEW MONTHS

Contiibuting Editor: R. H. RIiiller Advisory Board: R. N. A d a m , G. H. AyreJ, J. E. Barney 11. 2. C. Giddings, R. F. Goddu, P.IB. Hamilton, G. A. Harlcw, F. W. McLafferty, M. W. Mallett, G. H Morrison, J. D. N e w , W. H . Reinmuth, Irving Shain, J. K. Taylor, J. C . White Advertising Management REINHOLD PUBLISHIN12 CORP. (for Branch Offices, see page 1 4 1 A)

VOL. 36, NO. 1, JANUARY 1964

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