Spectrochemical research activities, improvements in equipment, and applications, especially to the certification of NBS Standard Reference Materials, are summarized. In electron probe microanalysis, a comprehensive computer correction program for accurate analysis of materials relative to single elements or simple compounds was developed, an improved lithium-doped silicon detector was found to provide increased resolution, and improvements in microprobe instrumentation produced a high level of stability. Studies of procedures for correction of x-ray fluorescence measurements were made, instrumental changes resulted in marked improvement in performance reliability, and new applications were made. In optical emission spectrometry, studies were made of beryllium determination in an air pollution investigation and trace analyses were made of organic materials to parts per billion limits. Methods of pre-concentration of impurities are described for optical emission and isotope dilution spark source mass spectrometric analysis of ingot iron, botanical materials, and high purity reagents. Work on Standard Reference Materials resulted in certification of stainless steel, clays, ferrosilicon, blast furnace irons, white irons, lead bearing metal, and ductile irons. (Author).

February issue includes Appendix entitled Directory of United States Government periodicals and subscription publications; September issue includes List of depository libraries; June and December issues include semiannual index.