INTRODUCTION 



In the Introduction to vol. 14 we omitted to mention that Dr. P. D. Nieuwkoop had 

 resigned as editor-in-chief, although the fact was clear from the colophon. In 1949, two 

 years after he first became associated with the Hubrecht Laboratory, Dr. Nieuwkoop 

 took the initiative to establish an Information Service for developmental biologists 

 throughout the world, and he produced the first few issues almost single-handed. These 

 issues to a large extent determined the format and content of the periodical in subsequent 

 years. Gradually J. Faber took over more and more of the work, since 1969 with the 

 assistance of B. Z. Salome. Although Dr. Nieuwkoop is now no longer an editor he 

 continues to be a member of the Board of the G.E.I.S. Foundation. 



During the past years the editors have been increasingly faced with financial and 

 organizational problems. In an attempt to solve these they have decided to effect the 

 following changes: 



(1) In order to reduce the cost of production the periodical is now printed in photo-offset 

 in a simplified format. Although special type such as italics, bold face and small capitals 

 can be used only exceptionally, we are trying to maintain maximal clarity. 



(2) In order to achieve a more efficient distribution of editorial and secretarial work over 

 the two-year period, each volume is now published in two parts of more or less equal size. 

 Part 1 (odd years) covers ca. 24 countries in Europe, while part 2 (even years) covers the 

 remaining geographical areas (ca. 23 countries). Each part has its own geographical 

 directory and subject index, and each contains a substantial number of book notices. The 

 Supplement has ceased to exist. 



A poll was held among the subscribers in 1972. Eighty subscribers (ca. 2090 replied to 

 the questionnaire. It appeared that the subject index was being consulted with reasonable 

 to high frequency, and that the format of the index prevailing until 1971 was considered 

 satisfactory to good. 



Although several correspondents felt some objection to a change in format, most were 

 prepared to put up with the proposed simplification. This has therefore been carried 

 through starting with the present volume. 



The book notices were judged to be useful to very useful. 



Several correspondents made suggestions for improvement, but these were too diverse 

 in nature to provide a guideline for meaningful changes. 



As a result of a campaign held in 1972 the number of subscribers shov> ed an increase, 

 albeit rather slight. Our financial position is in continuous jeopardy because a small but 

 significant proportion of the subscribers pay their dues too late or not at all. This has 

 forced us to change to a pre-pay system. We apply to subscribers to help us maintain a 

 sound financial basis. (This appeal is not directed to those who have always paid 

 regularly!) 



J. Faber 



B. Z. Salome 



