The title of this volume implies a progression of sorts from species of molecular size to a product described on the basis of continuum prop erties. The difference in approach from the standpoint of molecular be havior, on the one hand-more the forte of chemists-and from the standpoint of large-scale properties, on the other-more the province of chemical engineers and materials scientists-represents a severe cultural divide, but one with much potential for creative input from both sides. Chapter 1 of this volume attempts a broad survey of trends toward the synthesis of large, well-defined...