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Combinatorial chemistry ("CC") is a field in which new chemical substances- ranging from pure compounds to complex mixtures-are synthesized and screene d in a search for useful properties. In one sense, chemists have employed a n 'empirical' search for properties dating to the alchemists. However, in t he past several years some chemists have applied their intellectual creativ ity to invent new, much more efficient ways of making new substances in way s that facilitate their screening. Many of the issues raised by this new community of chemists are very often not shared by existing Chemistry communities. For this reason, local commun ities (e.g., chemists at one company) have worked to create solutions in ne ar isolation. It seems clear that a more global community of chemists facin g similar issues, would achieve solutions faster. And this is a worthy goal , because the combinatorial search for useful chemical substances portends quality of life improvements that have always been important in maintaining Chemistry's high status. This community also will benefit from the setting of conventions by a panel of experts. For example, there currently exists no guidelines for the leve l and type of sample characterization that are both of use to readers and a chievable. If one today synthesized a library of 10,000 samples of organic compounds, it would not be feasible to obtain NMR spectra on all samples-th e standard required for publication in The Journal of Organic Chemistry. Ho wever, having no requirement for NMR characterization is an invitation to e rror and even abuse. A standard must be set, and the Editorial Advisory Boa rd of the Journal of Combinatorial Chemistry would assume that responsibili ty and enforce the decision. It is also true that this must be a living con vention; in the face of new technology making high-throughput NMR more acce ssible, new standards for library sample characterization would be required . Such changes are certain to be required. Because the goal of this field is worthy and the field itself likely to aff ord progress, Combinatorial Chemistry as a discipline is not going to go aw ay. All these things support the proposal for a journal as the community's organ for the dissemination of research results.