IX 



has been familiar for a considerable time, the present fluid state of this field 

 is excellently surveyed, with clear indications as to where revisions must be 

 forthcoming in the future. Elegant work on the chemical structure of lamellae 

 points up our continued ignorance as to the precise functional significance of 

 the structures, or even as to the mode of attachment of chlorophyll to protein. 



Our introduction cannot attempt a detailed survey of the contents of this 

 book. It must further be stated that some areas of photosynthesis were com- 

 pletely omitted in the planning of this nneeting. We hope the reader realizes 

 that the constant shifting of the focus of attention often makes it difficult to 

 discriminate between the intrinsic importance of a given aspect and the number 

 of workers interested in it. Every so often someone manages to remove an- 

 other stone from the wall through which we all want to see, and the crowds tend 

 to flock around the new peep-hole. 



To a certain extent we must apologize for the inelegant composition of 

 this volume, the lack of editing and the somewhat brutal measures taken to 

 secure early publication. We are grateful to all contributors for their coop- 

 eration in providing concise summaries of their recent important work, and 

 we hope that the exposed cross-section of photosynthesis as of the early sixties 

 will prove of value. 



It is a pleasure to acknowledge the conscientious efforts of Miss Inger 

 Hermann, Secretary of the Photobiology Committee, and of her staff. 



Bess el Kok, Chairman 

 Andre Jagendorf , Organizer 



