Combinatorial chemistry, by accelerating the process of chemical synthesis, is having a profound effect on all branches of chemistry, but especially on drug discovery. This informative text explains the origins of combinatorial chemistry and puts the many diverse library methods into context. It explains why some techniques are generally applicable and others are for specialists only. It also focuses on the renaissance of solid phase chemistry and describes the range of available reactions. This is the first single author book in this important, growing field and it describes the beneficial impact of combinatorial chemistry, espcially for the discovery and optimization of biologically active molecules.This concise and comprehensive overview of combinatorial techniques is an essential text for final year undergraduates, postgraduates, academics, and industrialists in chamistry, bioorganic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and drug discovery. it provides an accessible introduction to the area for those new to these methods and a valuable reference text to those experienced in the field.