The Ciba Foundation, a unique international institution, owes 

 its inception to the generosity of CIBA Limited, Basle. However, 

 being established under British trust law, it enjoys complete 

 independence in practice and policy. 



Under the guidance of its distinguished Trustees, the Founda- 

 tion offers accommodation to scientists from all over the world 

 at its home in Portland Place. Foremost in its activities is the 

 organization of small conferences, the proceedings of which are 

 published in book form in the manner of the present volume. 

 The Foundation convenes many other informal discussions 

 between research workers of different disciplines and different 

 nationahties and each year invites an outstanding authority to 

 dehver a special lecture. An exchange programme between 

 French and British postgraduates is conducted and a library 

 service is available. Furthermore, the Ciba Foundation attempts 

 in every other way possible to aid scientists, whether they be 

 Nobel Laureates or young graduates making their first original 

 contribution to research. 



The purpose of the Ciba Foundation, which is to promote 

 international co-operation in medical and chemical research, is 

 symboHzed in the armorial bearings by five interlaced rings 

 representing the continents, a black sacrificial cock (emblem of 

 Aesculapius) holding a medical caduceus, and three regular 

 hexagons for chemistry. Its domicile in London is indicated by 

 the red sword of St. Paul and the British lion; the wyvern and 

 the crozier, symbols associated with Basle, refer to the sponsoring 

 firm located in this ancient Swiss town. 



