For Use with Chapter 1
Introduction to Chemistry

ACS Celebrates 125
Posted October 25th, 2001

Chemistry is the central science. Try to imagine any aspect of your life that is not based on chemistry. That is a difficult task. For centuries, scientists have worked ceaselessly to uncover all of the mysteries of chemistry and advance the study of chemistry at all levels. For the past 125 years, the American Chemical Society (ACS) has also served the chemistry community.

Established in 1876, the ACS has followed its charter mission to "promote the public perception and understanding of chemistry and the chemical sciences…" The ACS and its members (numbering more than 163,000) accomplish this mission through a wide variety of meetings, services, activities, publications, and resources. Among the most respected and well attended academic organizational meetings are those held semiannually by the ACS. ACS national meetings are gathering places for the world’s premier chemical scientists to present new discoveries, educate colleagues working in other areas of chemistry, exchange ideas with each other, and have a good time together. In addition to national meetings, the ACS also hosts regional and sectional meetings that allow local colleagues to meet in smaller forums. ACS staff and members also attend functions and meetings of other organizations.

The list of services and resources available through the ACS is extensive. One of the key methods by which the ACS fulfills its mission of making chemistry research available is through its scientific journals, chemical industry magazines, and other related publications. Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS), a division of the ACS, maintains the world’s largest and most comprehensive database of chemical information. Through its family of scientific products, CAS links researchers with the information they need to advance their work and the science of chemistry in general. The ACS also offers employment and educational resources. In 2001, the ACS unveiled its improved online employment service, paving the way for employers and scientists to come together easily. Teachers and students can make use of the various educational opportunities through the ACS website, publications, and the members themselves.

A Grand Celebration

The year 2001 marks the 125th anniversary of the American Chemical Society. The special issue of Chemical & Engineering News (March 26, 2001), commemorates the past, present, and future of one of the most important scientific societies. The celebration continued throughout the year with gala receptions, commemorative memorabilia, and special presentations at national meetings and other ACS forums. The ACS unveiled two new journals and plans for future journals, as well as new products and services, that will allow the society to continue to serve its members and the chemical sciences well into its next 125 years.

Activity

Use the Internet to find out about other scientific societies and organizations. Create a poster listing these organizations by discipline and summarize their contributions and services to the scientific community.

References

Chemical and Engineering News, April 26, 2001

CEN cover 125 anniv issue