Is Great Britain an Island Nation Separated from Europe in Separation Science?

Throughout its history the British Isles have both benefitted and suffered from its detachment from mainland Europe. Un-invaded for almost a thousand years and protected by at least 25 miles of water, these islands have felt secure but isolated from its neighbour’s cultural practices and policies. Modern communications must have changed all that you might say, with cheap air travel, computer e-mailing, on-line language translators and the adoption of English for much of western scientific literature.

The involvement and influence of British scientists in the world of the separation sciences has been noteworthy, with Nobel Prize winners such as Martin and Synge contributing to the foundations of chromatography and many leading names being closely associated with its development and applications.