The Russian contribution to our knowledge of the platinum metals is incalculable; early research by gifted individuals led to the formation of the Institute for the Study of Platinum and Other Noble Metals at Petrograd, and in turn the first journal devoted exclusively to the platinum metals was founded to publish the research results of this Institute. Indeed, until its demise in 1955, this periodical was unique.

In 1993 a new Russian journal, entitled Rhodium Express, was launched to report on the co-ordination chemistry of rhodium. Although the majority of the papers published to-date have reported Russian work, enabling readers to gain an early insight of topics currently being studied there, the number of contributions from other countries is increasing with time.

Further information about this useful addition to the literature can be obtained from The Editor: Yuri S. Varshavsky, P.O.B. 77, 198013 St. Petersburg, Russia; E-mail Yuri@vniisk.spb.su; Fax: +7 (812) 251 4813.