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 

 Foundation offers accommodation to scientists from all over 

 the world at its home in Portland Place. Foremost in its acti- 

 vities 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 in- 

 formal discussions between research workers of different dis- 

 ciplines and different nationalities and each year invites an 

 outstanding authority to deliver a special lecture. An exchange 

 programme between French and British postgraduates is con- 

 ducted 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 grad- 

 uates 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 symbolized 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. 



