Combinatorial chemistry is a technology for creating a multitude of different compounds by reacting different combinations of interchangeable chemical "building blocks." The compounds are then screened for their ability to carry out a specified function, most commonly to act as drugs to treat a disease. Combinatorial chemistry allows the rapid synthesis and testing of many related compounds, greatly speeding the pace of drug discovery. Automated synthesis and screening systems are key to this approach.

The Combinatorial Approach

There are two general approaches for finding the correct answer to a question (besides asking someone who knows). One way is to learn everything relevant to the topic and then to use your knowledge to arrive logically at the answer. Scientists, and most other people, almost always use this method. A second approach is to keep guessing until you've guessed right! This seems like a foolhardy strategy, and usually...