Physical organic chemistry is a relatively modern field with deep roots
in chemistry. The subject is concerned with investigations of organic
chemistry by quantitative and mathematical methods. The wedding of
physical and organic chemistry has provided a remarkable source of
inspiration for both of these classical areas of chemical endeavor.
Further, the potential for new developments resulting from this union
appears to be still greater. A closening of ties with all aspects of molecular
structure and spectroscopy is clearly anticipated. The field provides
the proving ground for the development of basic tools for investigations
in the areas of molecular biology and biophysics. The subject has an
inherent association with phenomena in the condensed phase and thereby
with the theories of this state of matter.