CHEMICAL EVOLUTION AND THE ORIGIN OF LIFE. Proceedings of the International Conference on the Origin of Life.

Amsterdam & London:: North-Holland Publishing & American Elsevier, 1971., 1971. Series: Molecular Evolution I. 8vo. xi, 560 pp. Figs., refs., index. Color-printed boards. Very good. The present state of investigations on the origin of life is surveyed together with the current state of molecular paleontology. General and theoretical subjects discussed include an energetic approach to prebiological chemistry, the recognition of description and function in chemical reaction networks, and the origin and development of optical activity of bio-organic compounds on the primordial earth. Other fields considered are the syntheses of small molecules, (truncated) oligomers and polymers; photochemical processes; the origin of biological structures; primitive biochemistry and biology; and exobiology. Individual items are abstracted in this issue. / Rene Buvet, was with the Paris, Universite Laboratoire d'Energetique Electrochimique, Paris, France. / Dr. Cyril Ponnamperuma, was a Sri Lankan scientist in the fields of chemical evolution and the origin of life, worked with NASA at the Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California. He was selected as the principal investigator for analysis of lunar soil brought to Earth by Project Apollo. "According to Arthur C. Clarke, "No other scientist of Sri Lankan origin was internationally known and respected as he was". He produced over 400 scientific publications and held a number of prestigious academic posts during his rather short lifespan." / Wikip. (Inventory #: S9106)