Book excerpt: This book is a practical manual for those who analyze polymers. Self-contained chapters describe when a technique should be selected, explain its basic principles, describe how instruments are constructed and operated, and teach how the data obtained relate to molecular structure and physical properties. Many clear illustrations are included. Implicit memory refers to a change in task performance due to an earlier experience that is not consciously remembered. This book is not a research manual but rather a guide to performing and understanding polymer characterization and an introduction to the specialized literature of the analytical chemistry of polymers. The techniques covered are directly relevant to the characterization of synthetic polymers such as adhesives, sealants, polymers, composites, coatings, elastomers, rubber, and other nonmetallic materials. Many techniques are also quite useful for natural and biological polymers.