| RefNo | EC/1969/28 |
| Previous numbers | Cert XVIII, 139 |
| Level | Item |
| Title | Walsh, Alan: certificate of election to the Royal Society |
| Description | Citation typed |
| Citation | Dr. Alan Walsh is distinguished for his contributions to emission and infra-red spectroscopy, and for having originated the atomic absorption method of quantitative analysis. Although the phenomenon of atomic absorption had been known for a hundred years, it had been little used except in studies of stellar atmospheres. Walsh recognised the potential advantages of this method and succeeded in devising simple and elegant apparatus to overcome the experimental difficulties involved. The atomic absorption method is adaptable and versatile and has so reduced the cost of analyses that it is providing new opportunities in research, in quality control in industry, in medical and agricultural practice, and in mineral exploration. A substantial international industry manufacturing atomic absorption instruments has arisen from Walsh's work. The only significant advances in atomic absorption spectroscopy have been made by Walsh himself, and he has recently published descriptions of new techniques which show promise of a further major advance. |
| AccessStatus | Open |
| Image | 
|
Fellows associated with this archive
| Code | PersonName | Dates |
| NA3634 | Walsh; Sir; Alan (1916 - 1998) | 1916 - 1998 |