Both science and religion are aspects of human endeavor that do not
observe political constraints. It is therefore appropriate that
contributions should come from many different countries for a series
which attempts to chronicle developments in an interdisciplinary field
such as membrane research. This volume is an excellent example of the
diversity of thinking, background, and approach needed by the working
scientist for his re- search planning. From Canada comes a review by
Silverman and Turner of the mech- anisms by means of which the plasma
membrane of the renal proximal tubule acts as a transport mediator. The
two chapters that were writtyn by American scientists are excellent
examples of the comparative bio- chemical approach. Inouye feels he must
apologize for being interested in the outer membrane of E. coli, but it
is obvious, after a reading of his chapter, that no apology is required.
On the contrary, we are grateful for his drawing our attention to this
system and its unique properties. Holtz- man, Gronowicz, Mercurio, and
Masur are also on a consciousness- raising mission in summarizing for us
a number of integrated functions of membranes using the toad bladder as
an experimental system. The other two chapters of this volume come from
overseas. N orthcote has again demonstrated his capacity to integrate a
complex and difficult field.