Environmental Effects on Molecular Structure and Properties

The holding of the 8th Jerusalem Symposium was saddened by the sudden death of Professor Ernst D. Bergmann at the very eve of this meeting. With him disappeared one of the leading world scientists in the field of physical chemistry and biochemistry. His innumerable friends and admirers over the whole world mourn him profoundly. All those who knew him personally and among them the participants in the previous Jerusalem Symposia will remember for ever the exceptional qualities of the scientist and the unusual human warmth of the man. With Ernst D. Bergmann the state of Israel lost one of the founders of its Science and one of its most brilliant and renowned representatives. The spirit which he suc ceeded to inoculate into his numerous disciples and pupils will, however, continue to perpetuate his name and his work. The Jerusalem Symposia will continue as a living testimony to his brilliant inspiration. Before dying, Professor Bergmann has prepared a few opening remarks for the 8th Jerusalem Symposium. They are reproduced here. BERNARD PULLMAN OPENING WORDS Prepared by the Late Professor Ernst David Bergmann It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all on behalf of the President and the Rector of the Hebrew University which is co-sponsoring this meeting, and of the President and Council of the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities which for the eighth time has put its premises at our disposal.