Analytical chemistry is consolidating an important position within the framework of our modern industrial community; the frontiers of trace (and ultra-trace) analysis have expanded into new territories, thus demanding a constant change in our mode of thinking in a substance-related manner in analytical chemistry. An outline of the development of analytical chemistry during this century reveals a period of underdeveloped research and education followed by a current phase of impetuous advancement. However, as a result of increasingly antagonistic sectional convictions in the public mind concerning reservations against, as well as efforts towards, efficient technological progress, this advancement evokes new existential risks for analytical chemistry-viz. either to be used in an uncritical way or to fall into discredit following slogans like 'high-performance analytical chemistry is to blame for it all!' A much more constructive consideration says that risks can be estimated and evaluated solely by means of a highly efficient analytical chemistry, when used with a sense of responsibility. Analysts may help to clarify and to cope with the increasing fear of decreasingly smaller amounts of trace elements-in both adverse groups in our community. Strategies necessary to gain this end are outlined with regard to a methodological as well as a political platform. Angew Chem. In/. Ed. Enyl. 24 (1985) 485-4414 0 VCH Vrrlagsgesell.rchaJt mbH. 0-6940 Weinheini. 1985 0570-0833/85/0606-0485 $ 02.50/0 Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl. 24 /19HS) 485-494 Anqew. Chem. Inr. Ed. Engl. 24 (1985) 485-494 4x7