Proceedings of the International Symposium on Microchemistry [antikvár]

OPENING OF PROCEEDINGS M. Stacey, F.R.S. University of Birmingham Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen : It is my very pleasant duty to welcome all delegates to this International Symposium on Microchemistry. I regard it as a great honour to be invited to be your President. I consider it most appropriate that the Symposium should be held in Birmingham during the period when my colleague Dr. R. Belcher is President of the Analytical Section of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. It is a great personal pleasure to give a special welcome to our Plenary Lecturers, Professor Feigl, Professor Lieb, Professor Benedetti-Pichler and Dr. Belcher, to all overseas guests and to representatives of the Society for Analytical Chemistry. Here in Birmingham you are in the heart of the Industrial Midlands, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Here worked Boulton, Watt, Murdoch and, of course, Joseph Priestley. Here grew up the great industries which so rapidly changed the face of the world. Here are still the great industries which are carrying on the modern industrial revolution which keeps up the prosperity of our region and indeed of the whole country. In all these great developments the analytical chemist has played, and still plays, a vital part. During the coming week we shall have the fortunate opportunity of hearing the latest developments in one branch — the micro-branch of the subject — discussed by the world's leading experts. We are very proud of Birmingham's contributions, over more than 30 years, to this development of micro-analytical chemistry both in lecturing and research. I have always believed that analytical chemistry is the king-pin in every "chemical carriage" and I believe that the rigid discipline of conducting micro-analytical experiments is an essential part of the training of every chemist. You come amongst us at a period of great expansion, for vast sums are being spent on our new University buildings in the science and arts faculties. Our chemistry department is being doubled in size. In a few years' time we shall have spacious rooms and theatres to welcome you adequately and new laboratories to house many more students especially from overseas. Analytical chemistry in Birmingham will greatly expand, though this may seem a paradox when our Meldola Medallist, Dr. West, is developing ultra-micro-analysis to such an extent that it is already almost impossible to see the minute samples sent in for analysis. I invite you to make yourselves at home amongst us. Many social events and works visits have been arranged for your enjoyment.