This subject, is like observing the panorama of a mountain range,
magnificent towering peaks, but it doesn't take much duration of observation
to recognize that they are still in the process of formation. The mountains
consist of approaches, materials and methods and the rocky substance of
information has accumulated to such a degree that I find myself
concentrating on the foothills in the foreground in order to keep up with
the advance; the edifices behind form a wonderous, substantive background.
It's a short history for such an accumulation and much of it has been moved
by the members of the societies that make up this International
Federation.
My panel of speakers are here to provide what we hope is an interesting
scientific fare, based on the fact that there is a continuum of biological
organization from biochemical molecules through macromolecular assemblies
and cellular membranes to the cell itself. Indeed, this fact explains the
whole range of towering peaks that have emerged progressively during the
past 25 years.