In April 1990, two crystallographic courses were run simultaneously in two different halls. During the spring 1996 only 19 days had elapsed when a second course started, while in 1997 and 1999 two courses have been held simultaneously. The same has happened in May 2000 when the Molecular Biologists reached the record number of 227. Lecture notes provide a general guide, but the extended bibliography is a unique tool for those stimulated into increasing their acquaintance with the topic after attending a meeting. Twentyeight such photoset reproduced volumes and twentytwo proper books, published by international printing companies, have appeared in the past twentysix years.
Proper monographs play an essential role when the subject of a meeting is a pioneering initiative.
Due to their interdisciplinary character, Erice crystallographic courses are attended by specialists from various fields. The well known difficulty of fund raising is increased owing to the fact that the meetings are on a yearly basis. In addition to having paid travel for the 21 invited speakers, the organizing committee for the 28 th course was able to waive fees to 65 out of the 93 participants. Grants are commonly available for scientists under 35 of age, specially if nationals of Countries within Nato and the European Community. Some funds have been recently available for nationals of Eastern European Countries.