This volume is a collection of technical papers presented at a symposium focused on the chemical composition of petroleum oils and the analytical methods used to determine and evaluate their properties. It reflects mid-20th-century advancements in petroleum chemistry during a period of rapid growth in the oil and refining industries.

The book begins by addressing the complex nature of crude oil, emphasizing that petroleum is a mixture of many different hydrocarbons and related compounds. It discusses classification into major groups such as paraffins, naphthenes, aromatics, and asphaltic materials.

A central focus of the symposium is on analytical techniques used to separate, identify, and quantify these components. Topics include:

Distillation methods and fractionation
Chromatography (early developments and applications)
Spectroscopic techniques for structural analysis
Chemical and physical property measurements (e.g., viscosity, density, boiling ranges)

The volume also explores how composition affects performance and usability, including:

Fuel quality and combustion characteristics
Lubrication properties
Stability and degradation
Refining processes and product optimization

Contributors examine the challenges of accurately characterizing petroleum due to its complexity, and they propose improved methods for standardization and evaluation.