Originally developed for the separation and characterization of naturally
occurring plant pigments, in the 100 years since its invention
the application of chromatography gradually extended into almost
all fields of science: studies of complex natural substances and biochemical
processes, investigations of the nature of petroleum and its
derivates, control of chemical syntheses, and determination of trace
impurities polluting the soil and air, as well as the drinking and surface
water of our planet. From a technique used 100 years ago by a
lonely Russian botanist, chromatography eventually became the most
widely used laboratory technique.
For my generation the rise of chromatography, its broadening out
into various fields, and the development of its variants, was part of our
life: we had been actively involved in it. We personally knew the principal
players and regularly met them at the frequently held international
symposia. There we learned about each others’ work and could not
wait the closing of the meeting when we rushed home to try out the
others’ newest results, adapting them to improve our own work. We
also learned about the mistakes made by others, just as they learned
about our errors. We were part of the evolution of chromatography:
it was an exciting time.