Henry Taube and his research accomplishments are held in universally
high esteem, and this foreword provides an opportunity to recall the basis for
the universal acclaim. Looking at his work as a whole, we see that Taube
has made a major contribution in helping to develop a systematic basis for
the understanding of the dynamic behavior of inorganic compounds, both
of the transition metals and of the representative elements, and his work
has played an important role in helping to create a modern renaissance in
inorganic chemistry. In addition, he has developed both experimental meth￾ods and mechanistic concepts that have had a lasting impact in all areas of
chemistry.