Abstract
The problems involved in developing an improved and more comprehensive system of analysis of amino acids and peptides based on paper chromatography are considered broadly and the scope of a group of investigations directed to this objective is described in outline. In addition to improvement and simplification of analytical techniques, these studies are to be concerned with an attempt to secure substantial improvement in the resolving power and reproducibility of the one-dimensional paper chromatogram. An important contribution to this objective has come from modifications in the chromatographic equipment designed to provide closer control of the physical conditions under which the filter paper is irrigated with the chromatographic solvent. The reasons for these modifications in the design of equipment are described. Other topics dealt with in this introductory paper relate to the purity of chromatographic papers, procedures for their pretreatment with buffer solutions, and some useful ancillary equipment which has been developed.