title: The chemistry of biotic interactions in perspective: small molecules take center stage.
abstract: The important discoveries made during the last two centuries which are largely responsible for our current understanding of organic chemistry in general, and of natural products chemistry and chemical ecology in particular, are reviewed. A brief personal history follows, including an account of a few examples from our own work which illustrate the importance of interdisciplinary, collaborative research in gaining insights that are not likely to have been achieved by either a chemist or a biologist working alone. Some possible future developments in natural products chemistry and chemical ecology, assuming that we can mobilize appropriate support and enthusiasm for these disciplines, are imagined. Finally, friends, teachers, colleagues, and students who have contributed most importantly to the author's scientific development or who have served as sources of inspiration are gratefully acknowledged.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Baker Laboratory, Ithaca, New York 14853-1301, USA. circe@cornell.edu
authors.forename: Jerrold
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Meinwald
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001685:Biological Factors / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D004463:Ecology; D006801:Humans; D008970:Molecular Weight; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D001685:Biological Factors; D009930:Organic Chemicals