Crystals and crystal structures / Кристаллы и кристаллические структуры

Crystallography – the study of crystals, their structures and properties – has antecedents predating modern science. Despite this long history, the subject remains dynamic and is changing rapidly. Protein crystallography is but one example. An understanding of many biological processes at a molecular level, already leading to a fundamental change in the treatment of many chronic illnesses, has been built upon protein crystal structure studies of awesome complexity. Other areas of rapid growth stand out. The development of computer software has revolutionised the way in which crystal structures can be depicted. The presentation of such structures as nets, for example, leads to images that compare in beauty with the best of abstract art <...>