I remember him clearly. Just as I was ready to depart the academic world for the challenges of industry, he came into our department and introduced himself. A post-graduate student, hired as an expert in thin-layer chromatography for a specific project need. Fact was, TLC experts were a dwindling number in those days. The art and science of chromatography was rapidly expanding into new and exciting areas, such as advanced liquid and gas chromatography. So, many opted to become "general" chromatography specialists. The age of the specialist was giving way to the age of the generalist. Yet, there he was: a young 20-something, married with a baby. Would his specialty outlive him and his family’s needs and, if not, would he adapt?