If we want to evaluate the present state of X.R.S., we should do this in perspective with other methods, e.g. Optical Emission and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry.

One way to compare would be to estimate the number of papers published or given at conferences on these three methods. Table 1 gives a survey af some meetings. It is evident that X.R.S. is less talked about than the other methods. The rejuvenation of OES, thanks to the Plasma sources, can also clearly be seen.