vi Preface 



It owes its inception and support to its founder, CIBA Ltd. of 

 Switzerland, but is administered independently and exclu- 

 sively by its distinguished British Trustees. 



The Foundation provides accommodation for scientific 

 workers who visit London from abroad, organizes and holds 

 international conferences, conducts (in conjunction with the 

 Institut National d'Hygiene) a postgraduate medical exchange 

 scheme between England and France, arranges informal 

 meetings for discussions, awards an annual lectureship, has 

 initiated a scheme to encourage basic research relevant 

 to the problems of ageing (as mentioned above), assists 

 international congresses and scientific societies, is building up 

 a library service in special fields, and generally endeavours to 

 give aid in all matters that may promote international co- 

 operation in scientific research. 



Leading research w^orkers from different countries and in 

 different disciplines are invited to attend the symposia or 

 colloquia. The size of the group is, however, very strictly 

 limited in order to obtain a free conversational manner of 

 discussion — although the basic timetable of the programme 

 is strictly observed. The smallness of the groups means the 

 exclusion of many workers active and interested in the 

 subjects discussed, and therefore the proceedings of these 

 conferences are published and made available throughout the 

 world. 



It is hoped that the papers and discussions in this book will 

 prove not only informative and stimulating, but will also give 

 to readers a sense of participation in an informal and friendly 

 occasion. 



