Foreword 



With this volume the American Institute of Biological Sciences 

 begins a new symposium series. This venture has not been under- 

 taken lightly. There are many — perhaps too many — such publica- 

 tions today. Almost every organization feels it must sponsor a program of 

 publishing symposia. Why, then, should the AIBS add still another sym- 

 posium series? Are there any compelling reasons why we should publish sym- 

 posia? 



First, through the generous provisions of a contract which the AIBS has 

 with the Office of Naval Research, these published symposia can be made 

 available to AIBS members at a considerably lower price than would be possible 

 if they were published commercially. In effect, the Office of Naval Research is 

 subsidizing the preparation and publication of these symposia to a considerable 

 extent. Second, this series will allow the publication of biological symposia of 

 significance, but which are, perhaps, of limited appeal. Third, a society which 

 belongs to the AIBS can publish symposia through the Institute more eco- 

 nomically and more efficiently than it could do itself. 



A great deal of thought, preparation, and just plain work goes into the pro- 

 duction of a series of this type. Many people have contributed. Due credit 

 should be given the Office of Naval Research for its sponsorship of these sym- 

 posia through its contract with AIBS. Mr. Irvin Mohler made all arrange- 

 ments for the Symposium on behalf of AIBS and ONR. The officers of the 

 AIBS have been most enthusiastic about this new venture. The members of the 

 AIBS Editorial Board have given valuable advice in the plans as they have 

 developed. Dr. Robert Grenell, one of the two Editors, because of his close 

 proximity to Washington in nearby Baltimore, has been most helpful and 

 generous with his time. The cooperation and assistance of Mr. Francis Har- 

 wood of the Waverly Press has been greatly appreciated. Finally, perhaps the 

 majority of credit should go to Mrs. Ileen E. Stewart, Editor of AIBS pub- 

 lications, through whose efforts this series has finally seen the light. 



Hiden T. Cox 

 Executive Director 



IX 



