Past times: A biochemical correspondent

I have recently written a book, A Biochemical Foreign Correspondent: Stories and Impressions from Around the World*, which describes my experiences in many countries when working for IUBMB, FEBS and other international organizations. Apart from the pleasure of writing, my object has been to emphasize how privileged we academics are in being members of a benevolent club. I feel sure that I can land in almost any large city in the world and find a biochemist with whom I can share common values. My hope is that we scientists may, thereby, be able to make a broad contribution to World understanding. Here, I would like to take the opportunity to reflect more generally on my impressions.