Ac-Au (8th ed. 1975. Softcover reprint of the original 8t)

The extraordinary quantity of material included in the Gmelin Handbook of Inorganic Chemistry can make it extremely difficult to find a specific compound using only a general un­ derstanding of the basic rules for the arrangement of the subject matter (the so-called "System ofthe Last Position").

Consequently, subject indexes have been provided for the past few years to individual Handbook volumes, covering only a single section, or in some cases, a complete system number.

During this period a comprehensive subject index-the Gmelin Index-was being prepared, whose first volume is now available.

The broad distribution and extensive utilization enjoyed by the Gmelin Handbook in Eng­ lish-speaking countries has led to a decision to publish the Gmelin Index in the English lan­ guage.

This decision was partly based on the fact that since the English language today oc­ cupies a preeminent position in the field of chemistry, a German-speaking user could utilize an English text much more readily than would be the case for an English-speaking user and a German text.