Fresenius J Anal Chem (1994) 349:564 Fresenius' Journal of

© Springer-Verlag 1994

Editorial

Congratulations to Professor Dr. Rudolf Geyer on his 80th Birthday (15 April 1994)

This Special Issue, dealing with the modern methods of Electroanalytical Chemistry, is also intended to be a celebration of the 80th Birthday of Professor Dr. Rudolf Geyer. As one of the leading Analytical Chemists of his time, Professor Geyer led the development and applica- tion of Electrochemistry as an analytical tool. In the name of all those who have known him and worked with him, there follows a personal tribute from two of his former colleagues, Professor Dr. K. Doerffel (Leipzig) and Professor Dr. G. Henze (Kaiserslautern - Trier).

Professor Dr. Rudolf Geyer celebrated in Naumburg his 80th Birthday on the 15th April, 1994. His devoted lifelong work as University Professor was dedicated to the development of Analytical Chemistry into an in- dependent area of science.

As an Assistant Professor in the Bergakademie (Frei- berg, Saxony) he was already busy with the problems of analytical chemistry in the mining and metal refining in- dustries. In his special research field - the methods of

Professor Geyer delivering one of his lectures

electroanalysis - he invented novel applications, par- ticularly for the analysis of Molybdenum and Tungsten. In addition, his practical Analytical Chemistry lectures covered all of the methods current at that time.

In 1955 he accepted the call to the newly founded Technical University in Merseburg. His single-minded dedication to the building up of the Institute for Analytical Chemistry, with its broad spectrum of analyti- cal methods, still remains an example to all those in academic life. His lectures on experimental analytical chemistry, delivered in his own didactically skillful way, were keenly attended by both students and coworkers. Particularly well loved and attended were his courses of practical exercises, generally involving industrial analyti- cal problems; (attendance at these was not conpulsary and they did not contribute to the course mark). From all the developing methods in Merseburg, Professor Geyer remained dedicated to electroanalytical chemistry. He published the first results of his work on ion-selective membranes and glass electrodes at the beginning of the 1960's; the chemical industry in the area provided many opportunities for mutually advantageous cooperation. The growing importance and productivity of the Institute led, in 1963, to an international conference on Modern Analytical Chemistry. The 1978 conference organised by Professor Geyer on the History and Development of Analytical Chemistry - combined with an exhibition of historical equipment - was attended by many interested colleagues, not only analytical chemists. Professor Geyer's well known course for engineers on Quality Con- trol must not be forgotten, nor his active presence on the Editorial Advisory Boards of many scientific Journals.

His many former students, coworkers and colleagues congratulate Professor Dr. Rudolf Geyer on his 80th Birthday. All remember with pride and happiness their work together at the Institute for Analytical Chemistry of the Technical University Merseburg.

K. Doerffel - G. Henze