Scientific progress, more and more, makes it possible to relate disease to irreg ularities on a molecular basis. Both, diagnosis and cure can be targeted to a well defined biological structure. Modern medical research aims at the investigation of the interaction of molecules and bio-macro-molecules, formerly the area of chemis try, biochemistry and pharmacology. This series was founded to provide a vehicle for the dissemination of results in a multidisciplinary area of contemporary research. It will publish extensive review articles at a high level, that will relate a particular subject to the scopes of medical chemistry. Thus, information and useful references will be spread among the schol ars. Table of Contents Toxicity and Carcinogenicity of Essential and Non-essential Metals M. Costa, A. J. Kraker and S. R. Patierno (USA) ………. 1 Secondary Metabolites with Antibiotic Activity from the Primary Metabolism of Aromatic Amino Acids R. G. Werner (FRG) … … … … … … … .… 47 … . Clinical Pharmacology of Benzodiazepines U. Klotz (FRG) ………….. .