B. Compatibility in Measurement C. Meaningful Measurement D. A Systems Approach to Meaningful Measurement E. Economic and Social Costs of Making "Bad" Measurements References II. Considerations for the Use of SRM's A. Proper SRM Selection B. Potential Pitfalls in Standards Usage 10 C. Special Handling and Storage D. Sources of Information on NBS-SRM's References III. Certified Values and Their Meaning-Uncertainties A. Material Variability 13 B. Measurement Errors 14 C. Instrument and Operator Errors D. Differences Among Measurement Methods E. Uncertainties of Certified Values F. Statements of Uncertainty of SRM Certificates References 18 IV. Specific Areas of Use for SRM's 19 A. Metals Industries 19 References B. Rubber Industry References C. Nuclear Measurement System References 24 D. Inorganic Standards 24 Sources of Information 25 E. The Clinical Measurement System 26 References Appendices 34 V

This book presents the proceedings of the 6th Materials Research Symposium on "Standard Reference Materials and Meaningful Measurement" held at the National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg , Maryland, on October 29 through November 2, 1973.The symposium was sponsored by the NBS Institute for Materials Research. The purpose of the symposium was to explore ways that Standard Reference Materials (SRM's) could be used more effectively to bring about meaningful measurements both on a national and international scale, to explore the meaning of meaningful measurements, and to review the major paths now used to reach these measurements.Starting with the relationship of SRM's to a national measurement system, the symposium reviewed SRM activities at the international level, various national programs, and industrial needs.The use of statistics, selection criteria, and steps for certifying SRM's were reviewed. Fifteen panel sessions reviewed the current status of SRM's and outlined future needs. Key Words:Certification; certified reference materials; materials; meaningful measurements; measurement; reference materials; SRM's; standards; standard materials; standard reference materials.iii PREFACE This Symposium, the sixth in a continuing series sponsored by the Institute for Materials Research of the National Bureau of Standards, had two major purposes: one internal to NBS, the other addressed to both national and international needs.In the first instance, it was hoped that information concerning national needs for Standard Reference Materials (SRM's) would be authoritatively presented so as to provide future guidlines for the NBS-SRM program.In this regard we can judge the Symposium to have been successful, but in an uneven way.Representatives from several U.S. industries and technological areas presented current and anticipated measurement problems that might be resolved, at least in part, through the instrumentality of SRM's and the "meaningful measurement" concept.Unfortunately, several important measurement technological areas were poorly represented and their needs were not so well stated or set forth.Hopefully, these proceedings will serve in an educational role to help enlighten those industries where SRM's are lacking or where better measurement technology could be brought to bear. Especially fruitful and important for internal NBS planning and guidance were the various panel discussions and recommendations.If these were to be useful for NBS or even U.S. purposes alone, then one might question the need for these proceedings to be distributed on an international scale. However, it is our hope, widely concurred in by the attendees and by speakers from other countries, that the findings and recommendations could, by a not too tortuous extrapolation, have meaning and utility for other national programs.The second major purpose of the Symposium was to serve as a forum for a discussion of international SRM needs and possible modes of cooperation.Seven major industrial nations, one multinational agency, and thr...