Chemical Synthesis: Gnosis to Prognosis (XTUllKtl ~uv8eoTr ana TT) rVWOT) OTT) npaYVWOT)) " . . . . other things being equal, that field has the most merit which contributes most heavily to, and illuminates most brightly, its neighbouring scientific disciplines[l] One hundred scientists, a blend of students, industrialists, and academics from twenty countries gathered to circumscribe, understand, and elaborate this topic in the magical setting of Ravello, Italy. The mandate of this workshop? To survey existing knowledge, assess current work, and discuss the future directions of chemical synthesis as it impinges on three exciting interdisciplinary themes of science in the 1990's: bioactive molecules, man-made chemical materials, and molecular recognition. This tempting but inexact menu summoned diverse students and scientists who wished to seriously reflect upon, dissect, and eject ideas and own experiences into open debate on this topic, which is at a crossroad in internal evolution and impact on the life and material sciences. The group arrived from many directions and in various forms of transportation, matters soon forgotten, when it found itself in the village which nurtured Wagner's inspiration and set to work immediately to ponder the question which has received extensive thought, prediction, and caveat from illustrious chemists over a period of time [2], two of which, to the delight of all, in presence among the Lectures.