Since then applied environmental geochemistry has grown enormously to encompass the many factors influencing the sources, dispersion and distribution of elements in the environment, their pathways into foodstuffs and water supplies, and possible effects on health and disease in palnts, animal and man. The multi-disciplinary and international nature of this work is reflected by the authorship of the contributed chapters in this volume. Progress has been assisted by two major advances. Firstly the development of rapid low-cost instrumental procedures enabling the simulataneous analysis of geochemical samples for a large number of elements fed directly to computer format. Secondly the evolution of geochemical surveys based on stream sediment analysis coupled with automated data plotting procedures to provide regional and national maps of major and trace element distribution. These maps provide the basis for research into geochemical factors influencing the health of man, animals and plants and also assist mineral exploration and land use planning to the benefit of the community. Following a number of preliminary studies funded by the Institute of Geological Sciences and others, and the publication of the experimental prototype geochemical atlas of Northerm Ireland, the Imperial College Group compiled the Wolfson Geochemical Atlas of England and Wales, the first of its kind. This was followed by more detailed regional atlases by the Institute of Geological Sciences in Britain and by numerous regional geochemical mapping prorammes elsewhere. Much of the early work in applied environmental geochemistry was initiated in Canada, USA and USSR. In particular the pioneering efforts of Helen Cannon and Howard Hopps in the US and Harry Warren in Canada must be acknowledged. together with the foresight of Delbert D. Hemphill in organising the continuing series of annual Conferences on Trace Substances in Environmental Health at the University of Missouri, Columbia. The 17th Conference in this series took place this year. Commencing in 1972 the US National Academy of science subcommitte on the Geochemical Environment in Relation to Health and Disease organised several multi-disciplinary workshop and the society for nvironmental Geochemistry and health was established.

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