Front Matter

Quantitative spectrochemical analysis is based on comparison of unknown samples with standard samples of similar composition. Standard samples frequently are prepared by the analyst for the particular problem in hand; but, for the analysis of many common materials, particularly metals and alloys, standard samples have been prepared in quantities adequate for general distribution. The rapid growth of spectrochemical analysis and a corresponding increase in available standard samples call for a periodic compilation of types and sources of standards for the information of analysts.