The ciliated protozoa are important members of the interstitial biotope by virtue of their numbers and biomass. These single celled organisms form complex communities in the spaces between sandgrains in many marine sediments. Despite their important role in benthic ecology, there has been a lack of detailed studies on this large and fascinating group. Although difficult and demanding to work with, the most important aspect that has hampered research on these fragile organisms has been the lack of a suitable identification guide.

The Royal Society has initiated a series of meetings to discuss the effect advances in technology will have on our way of life in the next century. The two previous meetings have been concerned with housing and waste treat ment. The subject of the third meeting, communications, is no less critical to life, but it offers particular problems and uncertainties, especially in the forecasting of future trends. Indeed, some have doubted if there can be profitable debate on long-term development in such a fast-moving field. The importance of the topic justifies an attempt, and the reader will judge...