This book fills a gap in knowledge between chemistry- and
physics-trained researchers about the properties of macroscopic (bulk)
material. Although many good textbooks are available on solid-state (or
condensed matter) physics, they generally treat simple systems such as
simple metals and crystals consisting of atoms. On the other hand,
textbooks on solid-state chemistry often avoid descriptions of
theoretical background even at the simplest level. This book gives
coherent descriptions from intermolecular interaction up to properties
of condensed matter ranging from isotropic liquids to molecular
crystals. By omitting details of specific systems for which
comprehensive monographs are available--on liquid crystals and molecular
conductors, for instance--this book highlights the effects of molecular
properties, i.e., the presence of the shape and its deformation on the
structure and properties of molecular systems.