ABSTRACT. The heavy elements near QSOs provide unique measures of the star formation and chemical evolution in young galactic nuclei or pre-galactic condensations. Studies of quasar abundances also naturally address a variety of questions regarding the physics of QSO environments, including the Baldwin Effect emphasized at this meeting. Here I review the status of quasar abundance work.

Table of Contents

• INTRODUCTION
• QUASARS AND GALAXY EVOLUTION
• Expectations for QSO Abundances
• The Galactic Mass-Metallicity Relation
• Fe / α as a Cosmological Clock
• Nitrogen Abundances
• SPECIFIC PREDICTIONS FOR GALACTIC CHEMICAL EVOLUTION
• BROAD EMISSION LINE DIAGNOSTICS AND RESULTS
• Inter-combination Lines
• Ratios Involving NV λ1240
• Tests and Uncertainties
• FeII / MgII and Cosmology
• ABSORPTION LINE DIAGNOSTICS AND RESULTS
• Types of Absorption Lines
• General Techniques
• Abundance Results
• Problems with the BALs
• METALLICITIES AND THE BALDWIN EFFECT
• SUMMARY AND FUTURE PROSPECTS
• REFERENCES