ROBERT L. WIXOM (1924–2009). As Professor and then Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry at University of Missouri–Columbia, Dr. Wixom received three teaching awards, including a nomination by MU students for the Conservation Educator of the Year (1996) for the State of Missouri. He served as a departmental representative to the Graduate Faculty Senate (1970–1993) and the chair of the Biological Sciences Sector, (1989–1992), which included a key role in three new major university programs. He was the co-initiator of the UMC Environmental Affairs Council, serving as their first chair for three years (1990–1994). In 2003, he received the Earlham College Outstanding Alumni Award.

CHARLES W. GEHRKE (1917–2009). As Professor and then Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry at University of Missouri–Columbia, Dr. Gehrke authored over 260 scientific publications in analytical chemistry and biochemistry, including a number of books. He was widely known for developing a quantitative gas chromatographic analysis method for amino acids, which, with NASA, advanced the analysis of moon rocks for signs of life. Dr. Gehrke developed many official analytical methods that were adopted by the Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC) and received numerous awards, including the AOAC Harvey W. Wiley Award.

Drs. Wixom and Gehrke continued to contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge and education in many ways long after retiring from teaching and research at the University of Missouri. With a great appreciation for history and the groundwork that has been laid for future generations of scientists, they teamed up to produce this book Chromatography: A Science of Discovery. This is their last publication, as they both have passed away. The future of chromatography will benefit from their lifelong efforts.