Preface

This book contains the proceedings of the Anglo-Dutch wood anatomy meeting organized by the Materials Section of the Royal Microscopical Society at Oxford and Kew from 5th to 8th April 1976. In fact, it contains more than just the written record of the papers delivered during the meeting. The largely original studies of most authors have been presented here as comprehensive publications which contain much more information than could have been conveyed during the lectures. The wood anatomists contributing to this issue represent a diversity of specializations, this would seem to justify the somewhat pretentious title: ‘Wood Structure in Biological and Technological Research’. It is hoped that this book will help to bridge the gap between students of wood structure who approach wood from a technological, sylvicultural or purely botanical standpoint. The increased understanding and the stimulation which resulted from the discussions between representatives of various disciplines was a most encouraging feature of the meeting.