Instrumentation in Biomedical Research

This paper is, in effect, an essay looking toward the improvement of instruments used in biomedical research, their availability, and the knowledge and skills necessary to use them to the best advantage. The discussion suggests that it might be desirable to establish a center or centers where teaching, research, and engineering can be done on instruments; where scientists or technicians can learn to use them; and where instruments can be rented as needed, with or without technical assistance. One will not find in this article the names of biomedical instruments or quantitative information about their current use. Recommendations are made on the following subjects: information cleanng house, instrument and technician pool, instruction, professional status, student recruitment, and hierarchy of facilities.