Abstract: A review is given of current developments in automation of laboratory methods, with emphasis on the managerial outlook demanded from the modern analytical chemist and on the underlying philosophy of automation. The influence of microprocessor technology on laboratory instrumentation is discussed, and future trends predicted.

Abstract: Details are given of the three-electrode DC plasma source fitted to a Beckman Spectrospan 4 emission spectrometer, which has been coupled with a flow injection - autosampler arrangment and a microcomputer running the Touchstone software (PS Analytical, Kemsing, Kent UK). A typical template of the experimental parameters as displayed by the input - output program is reproduced. The automated system allows the rapid routine determination of ~70 elements at trace or higher levels.

Abstract: A review is presented on flow injection analysis in laboratory automation, the advantages and disadvantages of the flow injection approach, and its possible use in future developments. (33 references). Flow Injection Analysis (FIA) was invented at roughly the same time by two quite dissimilar research groups [1,2]. FIA was patented by both groups in 1974; a year also marked by the publication of the first book on automatic chemical analysis [3]. This book was a major undertaking for its authors and it is hoped that it has added to the knowledge of those analysts attempting to automate their work or to increase the level of computerization/automation and thus reduce staffing commitments. This review discusses the role of FIA in laboratory automation, the advantages and disadvantages of the FIA approach, and the part it could play in future developments. It is important to stress at the outset that the FIA approach is all too often closely paralleled with convention al continuous flow analysis (CFA). This is a mistake for many reasons, none the least of which because of the considerable success of the CFA approach in contrast to the present lack of penetration in the commercial market-place of FIA instrumentation.