Using the Internet as an analytical instrument

Analytical chemists are presented daily with a variety of real-world questions in which the chemical identification and quantification of a sample is the simplest part of the problem. In the past decade, the Internet has moved from the realm of computer science to all areas of life. The power of the Internet to augment traditional chemical analysis is beginning to be tapped to move the instrumental analysis course beyond simple chemical identification and quantification of ersatz samples to complete solution of problems. Complete solution of a problem is achieved when the analyst determines not just what an unknown sample is, but what it is used for and why. In contrast to analysis of the same laboratory mixtures year after year, complete solution of real problems intensifies student interest in laboratory experimentation, especially when a solution to a seemingly difficult problem is achieved in one afternoon. The result suggests that instrumental analysis laboratories should install Internet computers in the lab beside the usual instruments and teach Internet techniques along with instrumental theory and practice.