Abstract
Even though mass spectrometry is deeply rooted in isotopic analysis (identification of the nuclides and the measurement of isotope ratios), the analytical achievements of mass spectrometers for structural analysis and compound identification have been of such extraordinary significance and utility that the practice of “organic mass spectrometry” has completely overshadowed inorganic applications (elemental and isotopic analysis). At recent annual meetings of the American Society of Mass Spectrometry (ASMS), originally founded by inorganic mass spectrometrists, sessions devoted to inorganic applications have been almost non-existent. However, the 17th James L. Waters Symposium, “Recognising Pioneers in the Development of Analytical Instrumentation”, gave testimony to a renaissance that is occurring in the practice of inorganic mass spectrometry.