Classical Methods (Analytical Chemistry by Open Learning)

During the late nineteenth century there was a concentrated effort to formalise the work of analysts, and indeed to secure the role of the analyst as a professional one. The methods which were developed during this era are all the so called 'wet methods' or 'classical methods' of analysis. These methods are often quick, cheap and reliable and still find wide application in industry. In modern parlance they are distinguished from 'instrumental methods' of analysis of which the meaning is self evident.