"Isotopic and nuclear techniques ... are an integral part of our socioeconomic development. ... However ... a segment of the general public perceives anything nuclear as inherently unsafe, ignoring the great number of nuclear applications beneficial for health, welfare and the environment. Most ... are caused by lack of information and by a misconception ... [that] can be rectified by ... compiling a book ... showing the many opportunities and advantages provided by nuclear applications. ... A call to researchers involved with [nuclear analytical techniques] to submit short and illustrative contributions yielded almost fifty contributions. ... Descriptions of useful applications of NATs [which] were selected [are] of general interest, relevant for specialists ... should serve to attract the attention of young people interested in the natural sciences ... [and] enhance public awareness of the many beneficial contributions of nuclear techniques.