PREFACE 



Like its predecessor on "Physical and Chemical Aspects of Basic Mech- 

 anisms in Radiobiology" (NAS-NRC pub. no. 305, 1953), this volume was prepared 

 from the transcript of an informal conference held in Highland Park, Illinois on 

 May 13-15, 1954. The conference was dedicated to biochemical phenomena in 

 radiobiological actions, a topic which is obviously of paramount importance, since 

 biochemical events must bridge the gap between the physical processes of ener- 

 gy transfer and their ultimate biological expression. It is our hope that this vol- 

 ume will at least convey the perspective of the participants on current problems 

 in this area. 



Each chapter consists of a discussion prefaced by a more or less formal 

 review of a central theme by a principal essayist. The discussions are inter- 

 spersed and followed by comments from all participants. There is considerable 

 interplay between the chapters, a reflection of the intimate relationship between 

 the various topics and their ramifications to basic radiobiological mechanisms. 



The work of the participants, as well as that of other investigators, was 

 quoted freely, whether available in published form or not. It is, therefore, im- 

 portant to emphasize that the data presented in this report should not be referred 

 to without permission of the authors quoted. In some instances, references were 

 provided by the participants. These appear at the end of each chapter and may 

 introduce the reader to selected topics. 



The transcript, as originally prepared, required considerable editing. An 

 effort was made to achieve continuity and intelligibility and to tighten the discus- 

 sion without seriously compromising the informal and speculative flavor of the 

 meeting. The editor was assisted by the participants and, particularly, by the 

 principal essayists and by Mrs. Antreen Pfau in this effort. 



Harvey M. Patt 



