This volume is one of those published from the proceedings of the invited lectures to the First International Congress of Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry I organized at Liege (Belgium) in August 1984 under the auspices of the Section of Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry of the International Union of Biological Sciences. In a general foreword to these different volumes, it seems to me appropriate to consider briefly what may be the comparative approach. Living organisms, beyond the diversity of their morphological forms, have evolved a widespread range of basic solutions to cope with the different problems, both organismal and environmental, with which they are faced. Soon after the turn of the century, some biologists realized that these solutions can be best comprehended in the frame work of a comparative approach integrating results of physiological and biochemical studies done at the organismic, cellular and molecular levels. The development of this approach amongst both physiologists and biocha~ists remained, however, extremely slow until recently.

Introductory Survey

Interaction of Temperature and Pressure in Intact Animals
A. Effects of Hydrostatic Pressure on Transport and Osmoregulation
Effects of Hydrostatic Pressure on Ionic and Osmotic Regulation
Ionic Regulation Under High Pressure: Some Observations of Comparative and Theoretical Interest
Pressure Effects on Phospholipids and Proteins
B. Effects of High Pressure on Neurophysiological Processes
Electrical and Mechanical Functions of Heart Cells at High Hydrostatic Pressure
From Simple to Complex: Pressure and Inert Gas Modulation of Nerve Cell Membrane Properties
The Role of Peripheral Neuromuscular Elements in the Tremorrelated Symptoms of the High Pressure Nervous Syndrome.