Biopolymers, such as proteins and nucleic acids have been subjected to a rational succession of structural studies in which the determination of chemical compositions, link- ages, and sequences is followed by investigations of molecu- lar architecture and interactions. By the end of the 1960s the covalent structures of glycosaminoglycans and proteo- glycans had been defined both within the carbohydrate chains and in respect to their linkages to protein. The scene was therefore set for successful probing of three- dimensional shapes and intermolecular associations. For- tunately, during the 1970s appropriate physical methods were themselves greatly increasing in power. Consequently much progress has been made using X-ray diffraction anal- ysis of hydrated films, nuclear magnetic resonance spectro- scopy, and chromatographie methods for investigation of molecular interactions in solution. We now have a great deal of information about molecular shapes, their sensitiv- ity to environment (especially associated cations), and their modes of interaction that could be relevant to super- molecular assemblies in biological milieux. For these rea- sons we judged that it would be timely to distil the main conclusions from this phase of research to prepare for the next, which will involve detailed study of the interplay be- tween biological function and molecular structure. The idea for this volume emerged from a workshop meeting at Colworth sponsored by the Biochemical Society.

Biopolymers, such as proteins and nucleic acids have been subjected to a rational succession of structural studies in which the determination of chemical compositions, link- ages, and sequences is followed by investigations of molecu- lar architecture and interactions. By the end of the 1960s the covalent structures of glycosaminoglycans and proteo- glycans had been defined both within the carbohydrate chains and in respect to their linkages to protein. The scene was therefore set for successful probing of three- dimensional shapes and intermolecular associations. For- tunately, during the 1970s appropriate physical methods were themselves greatly increasing in power. Consequently much progress has been made using X-ray diffraction anal- ysis of hydrated films, nuclear magnetic resonance spectro- scopy, and chromatographie methods for investigation of molecular interactions in solution. We now have a great deal of information about molecular shapes, their sensitiv- ity to environment (especially associated cations), and their modes of interaction that could be relevant to super- molecular assemblies in biological milieux. For these rea- sons we judged that it would be timely to distil the main conclusions from this phase of research to prepare for the next, which will involve detailed study of the interplay be- tween biological function and molecular structure. The idea for this volume emerged from a workshop meeting at Colworth sponsored by the Biochemical Society.

Bertrandon de la Broquiere was esquire to Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy. Philip had plans for a new Crusade to the Holy Land and as part of this plan he persuaded Bertrandon to undertake a pilgrimage to the Holy Land to gather intelligence. Bertrandon set off in 1432 disguised as a pilgrim but acting as a spy for Philip, noting important details of the military, political and cultural aspects of Mamluk and Ottoman lands. The resulting account of his travels, translated into English by Thomas Johnes in 1807, provides invaluable information on the region, including the military tactics of the Turks and the early use of gunpowder by the Mamluks. It is also one of the key documents for the history of the Crusades in the late medieval period.

In the years 1432-3 Bertandon de la Brocquiere, fifteenth-century gentleman and confidante to the Duke of Burgundy, undertook a pilgrimage to the Middle East and beyond. Though posing as a pilgrim de la Brocquiere was in fact a spy. He travelled to Ghent, Venice, Palestine and Damascus, eventually reaching as far as Constantinople at the important time leading up to the destruction of the city and the final fall of the Byzantine Empire. He met with both the Pope and with the Byzantine Emperor and his court. His account remains an excellent source on politics, leading figures and customs of the Mamluk and Ottoman lands, the early use of gunpowder by the Mamluks, and provides a careful analysis of Turkish military tactics. Written at the behest of the Duke of Burgundy, for the purpose of facilitating a new crusade, it also remains one of the key documents for the history of the Crusades in the late Middle Ages.