Analytical methodology in the Applied Geochemistry Research Group (1950–1988) at the Imperial College of Science and Technology, London

ABSTRACT This paper reviews the development of analytical methodology in the Applied Geochemistry Research Group (AGRG), during its lifetime from 1950 to 1988 and by scientists remaining at Imperial College after the Group's disbanding. This period encompasses a time in which extraordinary advances in electronics and computing technology revolutionized analytical science and, correspondingly, the scope of applied geochemistry. The analytical requirements of applied geochemistry were such that new ideas were eagerly sought and exploited and, as a consequence, the AGRG was often in the forefront of these developments. After the AGRG was disbanded and the analytical staff dispersed, the impetus of these changes was carried into other fields. As an outcome, the philosophy that evolved in the early days of AGRG is now, in a developed form, influencing analytical chemists and their customers over a variety of application sectors much broader than geochemistry. Supplementary material: Results of chemical analysis on geochemical field courses are available at http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18427.

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