2. Introduction and Intent.

This FAQ is intended to provide answers to chemistry-related questions that 
have appeared several times in sci.chem. It is also intended to guide the
curious to written and electronic information sources for the major areas
of chemistry that are discussed in sci.chem. The curious reader is 
encouraged to explore those treasure-troves, and this FAQ, prior to posting 
their question to sci.chem. I have assumed that most posters will have 
access to institutional or public libraries, and most of the references
should be available from them, either on the shelves, via private loans 
from staff in chemistry departments, or via library Interloan services. 

I have also assumed readers have a basic knowledge of how to use a technical 
library, and how to locate chemistry information sources. If you are lost
in your library, ask the nearest librarian :-). As sci.chem is a chemistry
discussion group, posters should have at least used any available basic 
reference texts to ensure their question is coherently presented. The first 
steps are yours, we will then endeavour to help you walk, and perhaps even 
run, safely through the minefields of chemistry :-).