impact on the way we study these objects. and has led to many new. exciting and unanticipated results. Simultaneously. the more traditional study of optical spectra has been advanced through the increasing use of very high spectral resolution with high signal-to-noise detectors. The chemically peculiar (CP) stars on the upper main sequence belong in the standard framework within which we understand stellar evolution and the history of matter. Recent work has made it clear that the unusual chemistry and magnetic structure of these objects is of relevance across the broad domain of stellar astronomy. from the upper main sequence to horizontal branch stars and white dwarfs. Metal poor (J>. Boo) as well as metal rich (Ap. Am) stars are an integral part of the picture.