Abstract

This introductory chapter examines the genesis and development of the idea of green analytical chemistry (GAC), from the introduction of clean analytical methods in 1995 to the current paradigm of democratic analytical chemistry (DAC). Today, GAC is widely acknowledged by scientists and technologists and combines a pragmatist’s perspective on cost-cutting with an ethical compromise with environmental sustainability. The fundamental concept, in brief, is on preserving the analytical qualities of methods and averting harmful side effects for users and the environment. A summary of their development since the beginning of this philosophy is described, taking into account theoretical advancements in and the actual implementations of GAC.