Volume 24 includes six contributions, the author and paper index of
volumes 1-24 and the key-word index. Since volume 23 included an index
for volumes 16-23 the reader has the possibility to use these monographs
as an encyclopedia and is in the position to find references to almost
all fields of drug research. The editor hopes that the articles of the
present volume will prove interesting and useful to many scientists and
would be grateful to receive suggestions and opinions from readers, as
in the past case over the 20 years in which this series of monographs
has existed. In this respect, thanks are due to all colleagues who have
provided helpful criticism of past volumes, thereby helping the editor
in his work. Dr. A. Naf again has assisted the editor and has carefully
reviewed all manuscripts, formulae and references, and has corrected the
proofs. Thanks are due to him for this immense work. At the same time,
the editor would like to thank the publishers and printers, Verlag
Birkhliu- ser, in particular Messrs. Th. Birkhliuser and C. Einsele, for
the excellent cooperation and the work they have accomplished.