(1981) K FUKUI & R HOFFMANN – for their theories, developed independently, concerning the course of chemical reactions; (1982) A KLUG – for his development of crystallographic electron microscopy and his structural elucidation of biologically important nuclei acid-protein complexes; (1983) H TAUBE – for his work on the mechanisms of electron transfer reactions, especially in metal complexes; (1984) R B MERRIFIELD – for his development of the methodology for chemical synthesis on a solid matrix; (1985) H A HAUPTMAN & J KARLE – for their outstanding achievements in the development of direct methods for the determination of crystal structures; (1986) D R HERSCHBACH, Y T LEE & J C POLANYI – for their contributions concerning the dynamics of chemical elementary processes; (1987) D J CRAM, J-M LEHN & C J PEDERSEN – for their development and use of molecules with structure-specific interactions of high selectivity; (1988) J DEISENHOFER, R HUBER & H MICHEL – for the determination of the three-dimensional structure of a photosynthetic reaction centre; (1989) S ALTMAN & T R CECH – for their discovery of catalytic properties of RNA; (1990) E J COREY – for his development of the theory and methodology of organic synthesis.

Readership: Chemists and other scientists.

"These volumes present impressive coverage of the substantial foundation of the road on which advances in Chemistry was laid during two decades ... The volumes are thus rich source-books for historians of Chemistry ... A general impression of astonishment is created. The depth and range of the lectures is remarkable ...These are accounts of the prize-winner's work at two levels. Each scientist is introduced to the general audience (before receiving his prize) by a spokesperson appointed by the Swedish Academy. Their brief statements usually succeed in clearly placing the recipients contributions in the wide field of chemical science, and, incidentally, reveal some of the considerations which have led to his award. Then the scientist gives his own account of his work. This is not only valuable as a summary of all-important developments, it often indicates the source which triggered the studies and the factors (frequently colleagues) contributing to their success ... These volumes offer a rich lode to be mined by students of Chemistry. They are, in every sense, weighty volumes and will add greatly to any reader's appreciation of the research interface of Chemistry."

"Judging from these two chemistry volumes the Nobel Foundation made an excellent decision ... The lectures present a panoramic view of the frontiers of chemistry in the two decades covered ... These volumes are worthy of their contents. They are elegant, produced with taste and care. The prices are surprisingly low if compared with prices of similar volumes on the market. World Scientific is to be congratulated for this project in its entirety ... I recommend them to all chemists, and in particular, to all graduate students."