Outdated practical techniques still have lessons to teach
Understanding old methods provides valuable insights into the new
As chemistry grows in a vast range of different directions, the toolbox of the bench chemist continues to swell. In this oncoming wave of automation, AI and assisted synthesis, older and lesser-used techniques are getting lost in the shadows. The rapid pace with which technology is augmenting chemistry leaves little time to reflect on, review and remember practices of the past – practices which are often still relevant and highly valuable.
The relentless and competitive nature of academic research demands high productivity. Many researchers don’t have the luxury of time to contemplate the benefits and drawbacks of all available methods, old and new – they need results, fast. Consequently, older, manual techniques that require additional time and effort are seen as a deadweight, and are discarded in favour of their newer, faster alternatives. This system of rejection perpetuates an unfair and inaccurate view that older techniques are obsolete and have little to offer, which, in turn, can discourage chemists from engaging with, or even considering, these older methods.