1.4 Essential Features of Analytical Chemistry
17
fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry can propitiate developments in response
to internal stimuli, which provide the strongest support for its existence as an
independent entity [see links 1"-2-3 (E) in Fig. 1.11]. Such is the case with new
standards, and calibration and standardization procedures, among others. Finally, one must deem incorrect those developments that simply involve routine
research (link 3 F in Fig. 1.11), with disregard of fundamentals and advances in
other areas, as they simply introduce worthless variations that expand but never
enrich the second basic element of Analytical Chemistry (tools and processes).
I 1.4.5 Placement
Speaking of independent sciences is gradually becoming obsolete. To be consequent, Analytical Chemistry should maintain two-way, symbiotic links with
other scientific and technical areas. Placing it in this context should pose no
problem provided its intrinsic fundamentals are established, maintained and
fostered. Otherwise, an irreversible shift to its shared fundamentals will deprive
it of its natural connotations and possibly, also of its identity and independence.
Placing Analytical Chemistry in the Chemistry domain is especially crucial
since chemical areas are the strongest mutual competitors for a place of their
own in Science and Technology. Chemistry rests on the four essential, interrelated cornerstones shown in Fig. 1.12, namely: Theory, Synthesis, Analysis and Applications (industrial, environmental, pharmaceutical). Thus, Analysis is a
substantial part of Chemistry and is closely related to other components. For
example, no synthesis can be conceived without analysing the ingredients,
intermediates and end products; nor is it reasonable to analyse without solid
Applications
Theory
Fig.I.12. Placement of Analytical Chemistry in the Chemistry domain
17
fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry can propitiate developments in response
to internal stimuli, which provide the strongest support for its existence as an
independent entity [see links 1"-2-3 (E) in Fig. 1.11]. Such is the case with new
standards, and calibration and standardization procedures, among others. Finally, one must deem incorrect those developments that simply involve routine
research (link 3 F in Fig. 1.11), with disregard of fundamentals and advances in
other areas, as they simply introduce worthless variations that expand but never
enrich the second basic element of Analytical Chemistry (tools and processes).
I 1.4.5 Placement
Speaking of independent sciences is gradually becoming obsolete. To be consequent, Analytical Chemistry should maintain two-way, symbiotic links with
other scientific and technical areas. Placing it in this context should pose no
problem provided its intrinsic fundamentals are established, maintained and
fostered. Otherwise, an irreversible shift to its shared fundamentals will deprive
it of its natural connotations and possibly, also of its identity and independence.
Placing Analytical Chemistry in the Chemistry domain is especially crucial
since chemical areas are the strongest mutual competitors for a place of their
own in Science and Technology. Chemistry rests on the four essential, interrelated cornerstones shown in Fig. 1.12, namely: Theory, Synthesis, Analysis and Applications (industrial, environmental, pharmaceutical). Thus, Analysis is a
substantial part of Chemistry and is closely related to other components. For
example, no synthesis can be conceived without analysing the ingredients,
intermediates and end products; nor is it reasonable to analyse without solid
Applications
Theory
Fig.I.12. Placement of Analytical Chemistry in the Chemistry domain