The history of microanalysis

Abstract

ANALYSIS, under that name, has existed for less than a century, although some of its methods and tests date back as far as the beginning of the Christian era. Indeed, the first known chemical reaction in the wet way (I) to be used in analysis was a test which would today be classed as a spot reaction. This test was developed by and was used to detect the presence of ferrous sulfate in verdigris. He accomplished this by the use of a paper impregnated with nut gall, which was blackened when placed in contact with the substance containing ferrous sulfate. This reaction, in fact, has found a place in modern spot analysis, for Gutzeit (2) listed it, along with other spot tests for iron, in a publication appearing in 1929.Boyle (1627-1691) was the first to use probably the most common of all spot reactions-the testing for