A Few Milestones on the Journey of Chromatography

The research conducted and the discoveries during the development of chromatography are briefly surveyed, with emphasis being placed on gas chromatography. Some actors are presented who played major roles en route from Tswett's original discovery to modern separation methods. The article is based mainly on personal memories and encounters. A few examples of the participation of our country in the development of chromatography are mentioned as well as international contacts. Some remarks are made on the use of selective sorbents or selectors in modern analytical separations. The paper closes with a few comments on the “philosophy” of the discovery process.