Vapour-generation analytical chemistry: from Marsh to multimode sample-introduction system

The history and state of knowledge of techniques available to analysts before the development of modern spectrometric techniques are surveyed in this paper. A variety of evaluative methods developed in the 19th century, with relatively minor improvements, remain in the repertoire of analysts even though they are at best semi-quantitative. Interferences with the vapour-generation reaction were identified early, as were the advantages and drawbacks of electrochemical vapour generation. This review attempts to present the earliest descriptions of vapour generation of elements and of the devices that have been used for their determination; phase-separation devices, in particular, are described.