This is the second in a series of three books on advances in prostaglandin research. In recent years there has been an unparalleled interest in these compounds and as a result a vast amount of research data has accumulated since the publication of my earlier book in 1972. At that time it was possible to present a fairly comprehensive review of the various aspects of prosta glandin research in one volume. This is no longer possible and the contents are divided into three volumes; the first one dealing with prostaglandins and reproduction was published in October 1975; the present volume dealing with chemical and biochemical aspects of prostaglandin research, to be published in April 1976 and the third book dealing with physiological, pharmacological and pathological aspects of prostaglandin research wiII be published in May 1976. The authorship represents international scientists consisting of physiolo-. gists, pharmacologists, chemists, biochemists, veterinary scientists and obstetrician gynaecologists actively engaged in different areas of prosta glandin research. An attempt has been made to provide a total coverage of advances relating to prostaglandins. For the sake of completeness and continuity, material covered in the 1972 book is either briefly summarised or reference made to that edition. In recent years there have been notable advances in the chemical and biochemical aspects of prostaglandin research and these are discussed by various authorities in the chapters that follow.