Low-temperature X-ray diffraction (LTXRD) investigations offer many challenges to the diffractionist, not all of which are technical or scientific in nature. LTXRD studies can be frustrating: There are at least two reports of investigations ruined by the loss of crystals (grown with extreme difficulty) because of the widespread power failure and blackout in the northeastern United States in late 1965. LTXRD studies can cause discomfort: In several instances, "low temperatures" have been attained by opening all the windows in the X-ray laboratory. LTXRD studies can be dangerous: It was once...