Annual Reviews of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry

Alan Walsh

Alan Walsh at the International Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy Conference
held in Sheffield in 1969.

In the second edition of Annual Reports on Analytical Atomic Spectroscopy (ARAAS), Alan Walsh, the father of atomic absorption spectrometry, wrote this foreword:

FOREWORD

In the decade following the Second World War, methods of chemical analysis based on atomic emission spectra were developed for such a wide range of analytical problems that it became increasingly difficult for analysts to keep themselves informed of all the new developments. The scope and variety of these methods resulted in a spate of publications and the task of keeping up with the literature became increasingly onerous. The problem became even more acute when atomic absorption methods of analysis were developed and found to have a similarly wide range of applications. More recently, methods based on atomic fluorescence have been developed and their applications also appear likely to become widespread within the next few years.

All workers in these various fields were therefore most interested to learn that the Society for Analytical Chemistry proposed to issue Annual Reports on Analytical Atomic Spectroscopy, and. Volume I was enthusiastically received. The standard achieved exceeded our highest expectations and we are all indebted to the Society for the first Report, which is comprehensive, detailed and up-to-date. Apart from informing us of contemporary literature, it also has the salutary effect of putting in proper perspective the achievements and potentialities of the three main branches of analytical atomic spectroscopy. This and subsequent Reports will prove invaluable in indicating the technique best suited for any specific analytical task.

It is to be hoped that the editor and his colleagues will be able to maintain the very high standard they have set for themselves. Analysts and spectroscopists will benefit greatly from this series of Annual Reports and, for their part, should show their appreciation by co-operating in any way possible in the preparation of future volumes, which will undoubtedly become indispensable to all engaged in the ever-broadening analytical applications of atomic spectroscopy.

A. Walsh


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