Preface ix 



the chemistry of colchicine. In 1947 we realized the need for specialized 

 help. Fortunately, Dr. James D. Loudon of Glasgow University, 

 Scotland, who worked with the group that began the revision of col- 

 chicine structure, generously contributed to this aspect of the study. 

 We express our gratitude to him for the writing of Chapter 6. 



Colchicum, which is a drug plant of antiquity, has a long history 

 in the annals of pharmacy. Professor F. Santavy of the Medical Insti- 

 tute of Olomouc, Czechoslovakia, pro\ided special materials for 

 Chapter 5. Many facts about the pharmacognosy of Colchicum were 

 compiled by Mr. Ikram Hassan of the University of Panjab, Lahore, 

 Pakistan. We appreciate their special aid in the preparation of 

 Chapter 5. 



However, the authors, and not the contributors mentioned, assume 

 full responsibility for the material published. We are gi^ateful for 

 help from our jniblishers, the Iowa State College Press, and particu- 

 larly its Chief Editor. Mr. AVilliam H. Van Horn. 



Financial aid is necessary for a project of this proportion not 

 designed specifically for return of investment. We have received 

 support from organizations whose contributions were made without 

 consideration of a future financial return. 



Some grants-in-aid were made to each author and some jointly 

 to this project. Without citing specific contributions it is our pleasure 

 to acknowledge with thanks the following organizations, foundations, 

 and agencies providing funds. But quite as important as the financial 

 aid. ha\e been the approval and encouragement given to us in our 

 efforts. 



These contributors are listed herewith: Carnegie Corporation of 

 New York, Century Fund, Northwestern University, Colchicine Re- 

 search Foundation, Fonds National de la Recherche Scientifique (Brus- 

 sels) , Funk Brothers Seed Company, Genetics Society of America, 

 General Biological Suj^ply House, Graduate Committees on Research 

 of the University of Oklahoma and Northwestern University, John 

 Crerar Library, Lady Tata Memorial Fund, National Cancer Institute 

 of the National Institute of Health, U. S. A., Rosenheim Foundation, 

 Pakistan, United States Educational Foundation, Pakistan, United 

 States Educational Foundation, India, United Nations Educational 

 and Scientific Organization, University of Oklahoma Research Insti- 

 tute, University of Oklahoma, Department of Plant Sciences, Univer- 

 site libre de Bruxelles, Faculte de Medecine, Belgium. 



Contributions in preparing the manuscript were made during the 

 course of our work. For illustrations, photographs, typing, photo- 

 micrography, bibliography, and reference work we express our thanks. 



