First Published in 1963. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

First Published in 1963. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

This series has addressed a constituency of scientists possessing biochemical background with the goal of providing them with specialized reviews of neu robiological interest. Since its initiation, neurochemistry and neuroscience have come of age, and the editors initiate with this volume the concept of a central theme. It is planned that each subsequent volume will also be topical. We note with sadness the passing of Dr. Henry Mahler who served as an advisory editor since the initiation of this series. He played a major role in building the bridge between biochemistry and neurochemistry and will be missed. Weare pleased to welcome two new editors, Drs. William Norton and Bruce McEwen. B. W. Agranoff M. H. Aprison vii FOREWORD Oligodendroglia constitute one of the three principal cell types of the central nervous system. These cells, together with their elaborated membranes, account for at least 25 percent of the dry mass of an adult rat brain and an even greater percentage of the central nervous system of larger animals."

This book presents a little-known aspect of America's aircraft development of World War II in emphasizing unique and non-production aircraft or modifications for the purpose of research and experimentation in support of aircraft development, advancing technology, or meeting narrow combat needs. It describes some important areas of American aviation weapons maturation under the pressure of war with emphasis on advanced technology and experimental aircraft configurations. The great value of the work is illumination of little known or minimally documented projects that significantly advanced the science of aeronautics, propulsion, aircraft systems, and ordnance, but did not go into production. Each chapter introduces another topic by examining the state-of-the-art at the beginning of the war, advantages pursued, and results achieved during the conflict. This last is the vehicle to examine the secret modifications or experiments that are little known. Consequently, this is an important single-source for a fascinating and diverse collection of wartime efforts never before brought together under a single cover. The "war stories" are those of military staffs, engineering teams, and test pilots struggling against short schedules and tight resource constraints to push the bounds of technology. These epic and sometimes life-threatening endeavors were as vital as actual combat operations.