This document provides an introduction to chromatography, including its invention in 1906 and definition as a method for separating and identifying chemical compounds. It discusses the basic principles of chromatography, which involves the differential movement of mixture components through a stationary and mobile phase. Various types of chromatography are classified and described, including gas chromatography (GC), liquid chromatography, and ion exchange. The key components of a gas chromatograph are also outlined, such as the carrier gas, sample injection system, column, and detectors. [/SUMMARY]