ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with both the tactical and strategic decisions. Military strategies avoid long advances on a limited front since it is easy for the enemy to cut off the spearheads. Given infinite time and resources a commander would always choose a steady advance on all fronts. The broad approach is suited to finding the optimum operating conditions for a large scale reaction. Physical chemistry projects which depend upon obtaining results after a long period spent learning how to operate a complex instrument could be likened to commando raids. More subtle differences arise from electronic or steric causes. Copper(II) is a common oxidation state while silver(II) is rare. As Samuel Johnson said ‘When a man knows he is to hang in a fortnight it concentrates his mind wonderfully’. Some students regard periodic reports in the same light as dissidents regard investigation by the secret police.
