when the Sixth International Congress on Catalysis convend in London on July 12,1976, almost exactly 20 years had gone by since the first congress had met in Philadelphia. The elapsed two decades were golden years for catalysis science and technology. These disciplines, taking advantage of the advances in th chemistry and physics of surfaces and the solid state, in coorfinationchemistry, in metalorganies, in computer, chromatography, and other instrumental techniques, and profiting from the general scientific and technical eupnoria engendered by the spectacular exploits of space exploration, have progressed at a tremendous pace on a wice front. The Wacker process, ammondation, Nana-Ziegler catalysts, ceoilte, cracking, bimetallic reforming, wilkinson, chemistry, oxycnlorination, olerin disproportionation or matatnesis, polyrethane foams and elascomers, and catalytic mufflers are some of the key words that signify the revolutionary catalytic technologies developed during this period.