Principles of Instrumental Analysis

Citation

(1999), "Principles of Instrumental Analysis", Sensor Review, Vol. 19 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.1999.08719bae.003

Principles of Instrumental Analysis

Principles of Instrumental Analysis

D.A. Skoog, F.J. Holler and T.A. NiemanHarcourt Brace1998832 pp.ISBN 0-03-002078-6£23.95 (hardback)

This comprehensive text was written for students of chemistry, biochemistry, geology, health-related sciences, engineering and environmental sciences. The purpose of the book is to develop an appreciation and understanding of the fundamental principles upon which modern measuring devices are based and how they are used to solve analytical problems. It provides an introduction to the principles of spectroscopic, electrometric and chromatographic methods of analysis, as well as highlighting the strengths and limitations of instruments that are currently available.

The book starts with a brief introductory chapter, followed by three chapters covering the electronics of instrumentation including operational amplifiers, digital electronics, micro processors and computers. Chapter 5 addresses signal-to-noise enhancement and sources of noise in instrumental analysis. The following seven chapters are devoted to atomic spectrometric methods such as atomic mass spectrometry and X-ray spectrometry. Section III discusses molecular spectroscopy, with chapters on Raman spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and surface characterisation by spectroscopy and microscopy. Chapters 22 to 25 discuss electrochemical methods of analysis, with chapter 23 being a brief chapter on thermal analysis methods. The next four chapters discuss a range of chromatography and related separation methods. The fifth edition has a new chapter on capillary electrophoresis and capillary electrochromatography, with the final chapters dealing with thermal methods, radiochemical methods and automated methods of analysis. A set of questions and problems can be found at the end of each chapter.

The five appendixes cover the evaluation of analytical data, activity coefficients, standard and formal electrode potentials, compounds recommended for the preparation of standard solutions of some common elements and acronyms and abbreviations of significance in analytical chemistry.

This is presented in a clear and logical manner, making it suitable for a wide range of students; either chemists, life scientists or engineers. The questions and problems section are extremely useful, allowing a greater understanding of the subjects to be gained.