Is Analytical Chemistry an autonomous field of science?

Summary Analytical Chemistry is an autonomous branch of science. It provides empirical meaning for chemical concepts, and it has a significant component of a science of the artificial within chemistry. Processes of sample analysis and model construction that are characteristic to Analytical Chemistry, inherently involve discovering of new objects and of deeply hidden regularities. This places the discipline at the frontier of research. Moreover, it is particularly beneficial for the methodology of science to study sample analysis and model construction using the examples from Analytical Chemistry. For the same reason the methodological self-reflection of a chemist-analyst can make an original contribution to our understanding of science as a whole.

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Analytische Chemie — autonomer Zweig der Wissenschaft?

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Presented at the First International Symposium on History and Philosophy in Analytical Chemistry, Vienna, November 22–23, 1985

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On leave of absence from the University of Warsaw, Poland     

Fascination and essentials in Analytical Chemistry

Summary The final identification of single atoms is not the last aim of Analytical Chemistry. This science gets new motivation by the functional interdependence of various components within resonant states and quasi-stationary systems in the micro- and the macrocosmos.

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Analytische Chemie — faszinierend und unentbehrlich

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Presented at the First International Symposium on History and Philosophy in Analytical Chemistry, Vienna, November 22–23, 1985     

Analytical Chemistry — today''s definition and interpretation

Conclusion Analytical Chemistry, as we have seen, is quite an established science but also a very vivid and young one. Its boundaries have always been and will be at the very frontiers of natural science: we are approaching the detection of single atoms as well as the analysis of matter at the very fringes of our universe. Analytical Chemistry is essential for the development of taylor-made high-tech materials and equally for the evolution of our knowledge about the toxicity of elements and compounds. It needs specialists with a profound insight in certain fields, for methods development or the handling of very complex instrumentation as e.g. a high resolution secondary ion mass spectrometer. But it also needs allrounders with a broad view not only of the capability of Analytical Chemistry as a whole but with an understanding for the complexity of modern social and economic structures. Frequently new ideas, new concepts and progress are forming on the seams between disciplines, on the grain boundaries of scientific fields too often kept strictly separated from each other. Analytical Chemistry is certainly a discipline which is predestinated for scientific communication collaborating with practically all fields of natural science as well as politics and economics.As a branch of natural science it is neutral in its moral value and therefore needs responsible and courageous analysts to use it for the benefit of mankind.     

Analytical chemical methods as systems producing chemical information by inference

Summary Analytical chemical methods as systems produce chemical information about the material to be analyzed. Analytical chemical systems as semiosis consist of analytical signal production and analytical chemical signal interpretation and produce chemical information by inference in an indirect way through analytical information. From the logical point of view the chemical information produced by analytical chemical systems is only credible. Generalizing the results the idea of diagnostic systems can be introduced and the analytical chemical methods as systems are a special type of diagnostic systems.

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Chemisch-analytische Systeme zur Erlangung chemischer Informationen

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Presented at the First International Symposium on History and Philosophy in Analytical Chemistry, Vienna, November 22–23, 1985     

Analytical Chemistry in Russia

Analytical Chemistry in the former Soviet Union and Russia is considered. Areas of the present analytical science in the country are noted and significant achievements are mentioned. Important centers of the researches are listed and education in Analytical Chemistry is examined. Received: 7 July 1997 / Revised: 28 August 1997 / Accepted: 7 September 1997     

Analytical Chemistry in Israel

Abstract

Analytical chemistry in Israel is not in as good a shape as one may wish. Several attempts have been made to instill interest in this branch of the profession among faculty members, practicing chemists and students, but no great stride forward can be recorded, and on the contrary, some set-backs must be noted. Nevertheless, analytical chemistry is practiced vigorously in several laboratories, and original Israeli contributions in this field have been noted by the international community of analytical chemists. It is on this background that the present survey is being presented.     

Some philosophical fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry

Summary Taking into account that very soon we will be faced with the fact that most of the practical work in Analytical Chemistry will be done by automates using more reagents from physics than from chemistry and increasing amounts of information about smaller analytical volumina will be generated, it must be concluded that basic considerations will become even more important.Semiotical correct use of languages will not only help to understand Analytical Chemistry as such but will also give the rules for transformation of signals into information.Analytics, the science and art of analyzing a thing is one of the four pillars in every science (the others are synthesis, theory and practice).The link between philosophy and science is the canon which acts as a bridge for an actual system and is an essential part of the paradigm of Analytics.     

Eleventh Aegean Analytical Chemistry Days (AACD2018), Chania,Crete, Greece, 25–29 September 2018

Abstract

The Eleventh Aegean Analytical Chemistry Days (AACD2018) was held in Chania, Crete, Greece during the period from 25 to 29 September 2018. The scientific framework consisted of 13 oral sessions and 2 poster sessions. Papers in fields such as atomic and molecular spectrometry, mass spectrometry, bioanalytical and clinical analysis, chromatography and separation techniques, electroanalytical methods and biosensors, speciation analysis, sample preparation, chemometrics, quality control/quality assurance and chemical metrology, environmental analysis, food analysis and pharmaceutical analysis were presented during this five-day conference. The social program included a visit to the Botanical Park of Chania and dinner with Cretan dishes and a post-conference one-day excursion to Knossos and Herakleio. During the closing ceremony, it was announced that the next AACD will be organized in Turkey by Professor Sezgin Bakirdere at Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul.     

Teaching of Analytical Chemistry in Polish Universities

The importance of Analytical Chemistry in the modern world is continually increasing. There are a lot of reasons: the need for environmental monitoring, food quality control, human health, industrial production quality control, nanotechnologies, material science; these are only some of the areas where analysts are indispensable. Analytical Chemistry, or rather Chemical Analytics, should be treated on a par with the three fundamental chemical courses: Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry. Analytical Chemistry, as an individual course or courses, is lectured in 52 Polish universities, including the Academy of Medicine and Academy of Life Sciences (agriculture and related). All these universities were already introduced in the Bolonia Process, The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) points, and three steps of education: Bachelor's degree (at universities of technology–Engineer's degree), Master's degree, and Doctoral Studies. Analytical Chemistry exists on all levels of teaching. On the first level, Bachelor's degree, the program of Analytical Chemistry contains the basic knowledge, so called classical Analytical Chemistry: gravimetric analysis, electrogravimetry, acid-base titration, oxidation-reduction titration, precipitation titration, complexometric titration, quality assurance, and quality control of results (2–3 h of lecture, 5 h of laboratory, and 1 h of seminar). During the second level (Master's degree) the program contains more developed analytical techniques: gas and liquid chromatography, spectrophotometric methods, electrochemical methods, elemental analysis, etc. The lecture courses at universities depend on the specific specialization, and there are a variety of different courses according to the need of specialization programs. The Bachelor's (engineer's) projects (diploma theses) are very often prepared in the field of Analytical Chemistry. The same occurs with Doctoral Studies; very often, students choose subject matters connected with Analytical Chemistry. This is why each year we have about 100 doctoral candidates in the field of Analytical Chemistry. The laboratories of Polish universities are well equipped with specialized apparatuses, but are strongly dependent on the university's profile and the size of the university. Students can participate in the scientific research carried on by the didactic staff, especially when completing diploma theses or doctorates. Some of them are performing studies and theses abroad, in the frame of the LLP ERASMUS Program. From our department, each year, about 10–12 students complete their Analytical Chemistry theses abroad. It promotes the European dimension and improves the quality of education by encouraging innovation in education.     

Analytical Chemistry — today''s definition and interpretation

Conclusion Since every science is defined as a way of knowledge accumulation and theory formulation, the magnificent cognitive power of Analytical Chemistry cannot be disregarded by any natural scientist. Therefore the state of the art in the field of Analytical Chemistry has a strong impact on other scientific disciplines. Without the cognitive feedback of analysis, no synthesis, no high-tech process, or pollution control actions are possible. Since the whole perception of the properties and laws of the material world are so strongly dependent on the level of performance of Analytical Chemistry it has become a self-reliant, chemical subdiscipline. Analytical Chemistry also includes a tremendous economic side, directly through the market for analytical instruments and, above all, indirectly through decisions taken in industry and the society as a whole based on analytical results. Because nearly a third of all chemists work in the field of Analytical Chemistry, it should be taught at a sufficient level at every University which has a Chemistry Department, in order to ensure the continued knowledge base which this subdiscipline uniquely provides.     

Strategy of education in modern Analytical Chemistry and model curriculum

Summary An analysis of the present situation of Analytical Chemistry is performed, taking into consideration the difference to be observed between the large and further increasing importance of Analytical Chemistry in industrial research, development and quality control and the poor reputation of the subject at many universities. The main reason for the latter can be located in the existence of outdated curricula for Analytical Chemistry. Many chairs or departments of Analytical Chemistry leave the education in modern physical methods for separation and identification as well as Computer Based Analytical Chemistry (COBAC) and its applications to life-, environmental- and material sciences to other departments and restrict themselves to classical subjects. According to a survey of the Working Party on Analytical Chemistry of the Federation of European Chemical Societes (Chairman: Prof. Dr. E. Pungor) this holds true especially for universities without an own chair or department of Analytical Chemistry. Modern Analytical Chemistry, however, is definitively no longer an appendix of any other subject but the interdisciplinary science of the generation of information about the composition and the structure of matter. Furthermore Analytical Chemistry is the key to solve problems related to material systems. It is the — certainly difficult but fascinating — task of the professor of Analytical Chemistry to present together with his team the complex modern curricula (chemical analysis, biochemical analysis, chemometrics, analytical strategies, material analysis, clinical analysis, environmental analysis etc.) according to the principle of the reduction to the scientific basis.Students should be able to read and understand the present literature but must be able to deal with future developments as well. Such a presentation of the basic principles of the methods of Analytical Chemistry is superior to any phenomenological way. The idea of an intellectual School of Analytical Chemistry with a coordinated distribution of duties has turned out to be very successful in the realization of this ambitious teaching concept. Based on these and further thoughts an ideal model curriculum for Analytical Chemistry at Technical Universities is presented and compared with actual situations.

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Strategie der Lehre und Modellehrplan für das Studium der modernen analytischen Chemie

Zusammenfassung Ausgehend vom derzeit immer noch zu beobachtenden Gegensatz zwischen der großen und weiter steigenden Bedeutung der Analytischen Chemie in industrieller Forschung, Entwicklung und Qualitätskontrolle und der geringen Reputation dieses Faches an vielen Universitäten wird eine Analyse der Ursachen dieser Situation und der möglichen Entwicklung vorgenommen. Als Hauptursache wurde gefunden, daß die meisten Universitätslehrpläne für Analytische Chemie veraltet sind. Sie überlassen die Erziehung in den modernen physikalischen Trenn- und Bestimmungsverfahren und der COBAC (Computer Based Analytical Chemistry) sowie deren Anwendung auf Lebensmittel-, Umwelt-, Werkstoffkontrolle usw. anderen Abteilungen und beschränken sich auf die Vermittlung überwiegend klassischer Lehrinhalte. Nach einer 1983 durchgeführten Studie der Working Party on Analytical Chemistry der Federation of European Chemical Societies (Chairman: Prof. Dr. E. Pungor) trifft dies besonders für Universitäten zu, die keinen eigenen Lehrstuhl oder Bereich für Analytische Chemie aufweisen. Moderne Analytische Chemie ist jedoch endgültig kein Anhängsel irgendeines anderen Faches mehr, sondern die fachübergreifende Wissenschaft von der Erzeugung von Information über die Zusammensetzung und Struktur von Materie. Darüber hinaus ist sie der Schlüssel zur Problemlösung in materiellen Systemen. Es ist die — sicher schwierige aber reizvolle — Aufgabe des Professors für Analytische Chemie, gemeinsam mit seinem Team die modernen komplexen Lehrinhalte (Chemische Analyse, Physikalische Analyse, Biochemische Analyse, Chemometrie, Analysenstrategie, Werkstoffanalyse, klinische Analyse, Umweltanalytik usw.) nach dem Prinzip der Reduktion auf ihre wissenschaftlichen Grundlagen zu präsentieren, so daß die Studenten die derzeitige Literatur lesen können, aber auch für zukünftige Entwicklungen offen sind. Eine solche die Zusammenhänge betonende Präsentation der Grundlagen chemischer und physikalischer Methoden der Analytischen Chemie ist einer phänomenologischen Darstellung weit überlegen. Zur Realisierung dieses ehrgeizigen Lehrkonzeptes zur Erziehung eines kritikfähigen Analytischen Chemikers erweist sich die Form der geistigen Schule der Analytischen Chemie mit deren koordinierter Aufgabenteilung als sehr erfolgreich. Auf der Basis dieser und weiterer Überlegungen wird ein idealer Modellehrplan für Analytische Chemie an Technischen Universitäten präsentiert und mit gegenwärtigen Gegebenheiten verglichen.

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Because of the fact that this paper — heavily discussed at the symposium New Trends in Chemistry — The Role of Analytical Chemistry in National Development, Cairo, January 3–7, 1984, has got a tremendous interest we feel it should be presented also to the readers of this journal in order to further stimulate the discussion     

在分析化学课程中引入病毒及其检测方法的思考

Virology is a basic biological science which takes virus as the research object. By introducing the structure and detection technology of virus, especially the structure and function of SARS-CoV-2 in the course of Analytical Chemistry, students can understand the role of chemistry in the development of virology. At the same time, the introduction of relevant knowledge can create meaningful learning experience; it can also be combined with course ideology and politics, so that students can realize the importance of basic concepts in Analytical Chemistry, value orientation of Analytical Chemistry, and the importance of interdisciplinarity.     

Present state of teaching Analytical Chemistry in Hungary

Summary A review is given on the present state and characteristic features of the higher education system in Hungary with special regard to Analytical Chemistry. Similarities and differences between science university and technical university education are shown. Problems of teaching instrumental analysis and of specialization are discussed.Presented at Euroanalysis III conference, Dublin, August 20–25, 1978     

The Book Corner

Abstract

Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry, Techniques and Applications, A. L. Yergey, C. G. Edmonds, I. A. S. Lewis, and M. L. Vestal, Modern Analytical Chemistry Series, D. Hercules, Editor, 306 pages, Plenum Press, New York and London, 1989. $65.00; price 20% higher outside USA and Canada.

Analytical Microbiology Methods, Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry, A. Fox, S. L. Morgan, L. Larsson and G. Odham, Editors, Plenum Press, New York and London, 1920, 280 pages. $65.00; prices 20% higher outside USA and Canada.

Ion Chromatography, H. Small, Modern Analytical Chemistry Series, D. Hercules, Editor, Plenum Press, New York and London, 1990, 376 pages. $49.50; prices 20% higher outside USA and Canada.     

Synthetic and analytical thinking

Summary It is shown that scientific research is not a linear process of information gaining, of accumulating data and facts, but is rather to be characterized by a model showing the cyclic structure of data gathering and construction of theories, of inductive and deductive methods. Analytical and synthetic methods are linked together and are building inseparable components of the texture of science.

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Synthetisches und analytisches Denken

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Presented at the First International Symposium on History and Philosophy in Analytical Chemistry, Vienna, November 22–23, 1985     

A schematic overview of the historical evolution of Analytical Chemistry

The historical evolution of Analytical Chemistry is briefly discussed as related to the progress of Chemistry within the 16–19th centuries under the leadership of Paracelsus, Boyle, Lavoisier and Dalton. A clear distinction is made between chemical analysis (up to the end of the 19th c.) and today’s Analytical Chemistry, paying close attention to a number of aspects and consequences related to the chemical revolution which took place at the overlap of the 18–19th c. which resulted in the quantification of Chemistry, causing increasing development and improvement of the chemical metrology which was an essential factor for Chemistry to acquire a scientific dimension and to become more specialised during the 19th century. A panoramic view of the whole development is presented by resorting to the inclusion of a number of synoptical tables outlining the stepwise progress of Chemistry, chemical analysis and Analytical Chemistry within the five last centuries taking into consideration the main protagonists involved as well as the experimental means, techniques and methodologies used and/or developed. Received: 20 February 1996 / Accepted: 21 May 1996     

Book Review

Abstract

“Analytical Chemistry of PCB's,” M. D. Erlckson, Butterworth Publishers, Stoneham, Mass, 1987, 508 pp., $42.00.     

Analytical Chemistry — today''s definition and interpretation

Conclusion Analytical Chemistry is an applied, experimental field of natural science and is based not only on chemistry, but also on physics, biology, information theory and many fields of technology. The purpose of Analytical Chemistry is to provide information on the chemical composition of natural and synthetic objects and the changes in this composition over space and time. It is a typical multidisciplinary subject with many feedback links emphasizing teamwork in solution of problems.     

Historical demonstration experiments in Analytical Chemistry

Some examples of the use of lecture demonstration throughout the early history of chemistry are presented with examples chosen from Analytical Chemistry. In order to limit this vast subject, mainly Scandinavian sources have been used. This is rather natural as the early history of Analytical Chemistry is so much dominated by the works of the Swedish chemist Torbern Bergman. An interesting source at early lecture experiments are the books on natural magic, which were very popular in the 17 th and 18 th centuries. These books contain recipes for household remedies mingled with scientific observations. From the 18 th century most of the examples have been taken from Torbern Bergman’s works. Received: 15 January 1996 / Accepted: 29 January 1996