Book excerpt: This valuable resource covers the principles of analytical instrumentation used by today's chemists and biologists and presents important advances in instrumentation, such as the drive to miniaturise and lab-on-a-chip devices. In terms of the lab-based analytical instrumentation, the five main categories of technique—spectroscopic, chromatographic, electrochemical, imaging and thermoanalytical, are included and presented in a practical, not theoretical way. Including relevant examples and applications in a number of fields such as healthcare, environment and pharmaceutical industry this book provides a complete overview of the instruments used within the chemistry industry, making this an important tool for professionals and students alike.