Book excerpt: The only topical HPLC book to focus on optimization, this volume addresses the needs of HPLC users who wish to constantly improve their methods, in particular in terms of throughput, accuracy and cost-effectiveness. This handbook features contributions from such bestselling authors as John W. Dolan, Michael McBrien, Veronika R. Meyer, Uwe D. Neue, Lloyd R. Snyder, and Klaus K. Unger, as well as from scientists working for major companies, including Agilent, AstraZeneca, Merck, Schering, Tosoh Biosep, VWR, and Waters. It covers essential aspects of optimization in general, optimization in different LC-modi, hyphenated techniques and computer-aided optimization. The whole is rounded off with a section of user reports.