The first volume describes general aspects of the field from history, through nomenclature, to a discussion of the current position of mechanistic and related studies. The binding of ligands according to donor atoms is then considered (Volume 2) and the coordination chemistry of the elements is treated (Volumes 3, 4 and 5) in the common order based on the Periodic Table. The sequence of treatment of complexes of particular ligands for each metal follows the order given in the discussion of parent ligands. Volume 6 considers the applications and importance of coordination chemistry in several areas (from industrial catalysis to photography, from geochemistry to medicine). Volume 7 contains cumulative indexes which will render the mass of information in these volumes even more accessible to users.